Super sub Kaporal lifts Angola past Zambia in CHAN thriller

Angola rallied from behind to win 2-1 against Zambia in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) encounter from Group A on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Angola striker Kaporal came off the bench to give the Palancas Negras’ hopes a massive boost.

The local Chipolopolo started off the duel with high pressing and were close to being rewarded with a goal seconds after kickoff. Kelvin Kampamba’s goal-bound effort was saved by Angola goalkeeper Neblu.

The Palancas Negras then opted for a more cautious approach and took charge of the midfield. Antonio Hossi should have given them the lead but headed wide from close range. Zambia goalkeeper Francis Mwansa was called into action in the 33rd minute to deny Anderson Cruz. The first half saw an evenly matched affair between the two nations from Southern Africa’s COSAFA region.

The second half saw a better Angolan performance as Zambia struggled to keep possession. Cruz’s low drive went inches wide before Mwansa parried away a shot from Mafuta.

Zambia took a surprise lead through Dominic Chanda, who arrived to finish after Angola’s Neblu failed to deal with a free kick on goal. Angola equalized six minutes later through Kaporal inside the area. The second-half substitute completed the comeback four minutes before time after a failed clearance by the Zambian defense.

The win lifts Angola to second place with four points after three games and they will finish up their group stage likely needing a victory against neighbors DR Congo on Thursday. Zambia remain bottom with zero points following their second defeat in a row and now need to defeat Morocco on Thursday to have any hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Group A Table

1. Kenya- 7 points (3 games played)
2. Angola- 4 points (3 games)
3. Morocco- 3 points (2 games)
4. DR Congo- 3 points (2 games)
5. Zambia- 0 points (2 games)