Morocco Bounce Back To Sink Zambia

Two-time CHAN champions Morocco reignited their Group A campaign with a decisive 3–1 victory over Zambia at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The Atlas Lions, who suffered a setback against hosts Kenya earlier in the tournament, took control just before half-time when captain Mohamed Hrimat rose above his marker to nod home Youssef Mehri’s pinpoint corner. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour heading into the break.

Zambia thought they had levelled the score in the 65th minute through Happy Nsiku, but the effort was ruled out by VAR for an infringement in the build-up. The disallowed goal proved costly, as Morocco immediately doubled their lead through Oussama Lamlaoui. Although Andrew Phiri pulled one back for Zambia in the 70th minute, any hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time when Sabir Bougrine fired in a third for Morocco. The result lifts the North Africans to six points, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.

DR Congo Edge Angola In Vital Win

In the other Group A fixture, DR Congo kept their own qualification chances alive with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Angola. After a goalless first half, the Leopards stepped up the intensity and found their breakthrough when Jephté Kitambala powered home a header. Mokonzi Katumbwe then added a second, also from the air, sealing a win that eliminated Angola from the competition.

The result moves DR Congo level on points with Morocco, setting up a high-stakes clash between the two former champions in the final group game. Both sides know that victory will guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals, while a draw could complicate the qualification picture depending on Kenya’s result.

Group A Showdown Looms

With Kenya currently leading the group, the final round of fixtures promises to deliver drama. Morocco’s confidence will be buoyed by their commanding win over Zambia, while DR Congo will take heart from their solid performance against Angola. For both teams, Sunday’s meeting is more than just a battle for bragging rights, it’s a direct ticket to the knockout stage, and potentially the beginning of another title run.