CHAN 2024: Morocco edge DR Congo to join Kenya in quarterfinals
Morocco are through to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after defeating DR Congo 3-1 in a decisive Group A clash at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The Atlas Lions produced a clinical display to join hosts Kenya in the last eight, while DR Congo’s journey ended in disappointment despite their strong start to the tournament. Kenya had earlier sealed top spot in the group with a narrow 1-0 win over Zambia at the Moi International Sports Centre.
Both Morocco and DR Congo came into the game level on six points, making the final group match a winner-takes-all contest. The Leopards needed victory to progress, while Morocco only required a draw.
The game began at a high tempo, with Morocco striking first in the eighth minute. Forward Oussama Lamlaoui finished off Youssef Belammari’s cross with a simple tap-in, giving the North Africans an early advantage.
DR Congo, however, refused to fold. Their pressure was rewarded just before half-time when Jephté Kitambala bundled the ball over the line to restore parity in the 43rd minute. The equaliser lifted the Congolese fans inside Nyayo Stadium, who believed their team could push for a turnaround.
But Morocco’s composure told in the second half. In the 66th minute, Magloire Ntambwe fouled Khalid Baba inside the box, and after a VAR review, Mohamed Hrimat confidently converted the penalty to put Morocco back in front.
As the Leopards pushed forward in search of another equaliser, their defence was left exposed. Morocco capitalised in the 80th minute when Lamlaoui netted his second of the evening, finishing off a smart cut-back from Youssef Mehri to seal the 3-1 victory.
Although the Atlas Lions thought they had added a fourth late on, VAR disallowed the goal for offside. Still, the result was beyond doubt, and the two-time champions marched into the knockout stage with nine points, just one behind Kenya.
For DR Congo, their six points were not enough in a fiercely competitive group that also featured Angola and Zambia. Their elimination ended hopes of adding a third CHAN crown to their history.
Morocco will now prepare for the quarter-finals with confidence, relying on Lamlaoui’s sharp finishing and Hrimat’s composure in midfield as key weapons in their hunt for another continental triumph.