CHAN 2024: Morocco and DR Congo Revive Quarterfinal Hopes with Victory
Two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo showcased their determination to advance to the knockout stages of the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament as both teams delivered impressive performances, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the group stage.
Morocco Crushes Zambia 3-1
Morocco secured a commanding 3-1 win over Zambia at the Nyayo National Stadium. The North Africans started strong, applying relentless pressure on the Zambian defense. Despite dominating the early stages and creating several clear opportunities, they struggled to convert their chances. It wasn’t until first-half injury time that Morocco finally broke the deadlock, with captain Mohamed Hrimat scoring from a well-placed corner delivered by Youssef Mehri.
Zambia thought they had equalized in the 65th minute when defender Happy Nsiku found the net, but their celebrations were cut short following a VAR review that revealed an infringement in the buildup. Just a minute later, Morocco capitalized on the confusion, with Oussama Lamlaoui netting their second goal. Andrew Phiri managed to pull one back for Zambia in the 70th minute, but it was too little too late. Midfielder Sabir Bougrine sealed the victory for Morocco with a stoppage-time strike, ensuring the Atlas Lions finished the day in second place in Group A with six points, just one point behind leaders Kenya.
DR Congo Defeats Angola 2-0
Fellow two-time winners DR Congo kept their own quarterfinal hopes alive by defeating Angola 2-0, effectively ending the Angolans’ aspirations for progression in the tournament. With victory essential for Angola to challenge Kenya at the top of the table, the Congolese team delivered an impressive performance. Goals from Jephte Kitambala and Mokonzi Katumbwe in the second half secured the win.
Kitambala’s header was particularly noteworthy, earning him the title of @1xBet_Eng #GoalOfTheDay. Both DR Congo and Morocco now sit on six points, setting the stage for an exciting showdown as they face each other in their final group-stage match on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kenya will take on Zambia in a crucial encounter to determine the quarterfinalists.
