CHAN 2025: DR Congo secure first win as Kenya maintain Group A lead

DR Congo revived their CHAN 2025 campaign on Thursday with a 2-0 victory over Zambia, while Angola and Kenya settled for a 1-1 draw in the day’s other Group A fixture.

In the opening match, the Leopards A’ delivered a composed performance to claim their first three points of the tournament.

Their attacking intent paid off with two well-taken goals, ensuring a much-needed boost after a challenging start to the competition.

The result leaves Zambia rooted to the bottom of the group, still searching for their first point.

Later in the day, Angola and Kenya played out a competitive encounter that ended honours even.

Kenya, who entered the match as group leaders, were looking to extend their perfect start but found themselves tested by a determined Angolan side.

Both teams created chances in an open contest, with neither able to find a decisive breakthrough after the goals were exchanged.

The draw keeps Kenya at the top of the table with four points from two matches, maintaining a slender advantage over their nearest rivals.

Morocco and DR Congo now sit just one point behind, each on three points, while Angola remain in fourth with a single point.

Zambia, without a win or a point so far, face a difficult path to qualification.

With one round of fixtures left in the group stage, the race for the knockout spots in Group A remains wide open.

Kenya are in a strong position but will need a positive result in their final match to guarantee progression.

DR Congo’s victory has put them firmly back in contention, while Morocco — who were not in action on Thursday — will have the chance to influence the standings in their next outing.

Angola, despite being winless, still have an outside chance if they can secure maximum points in their last game.

The day’s results underline the competitive nature of CHAN 2025, with little separating the top four teams in Group A.

For Zambia, however, the focus will be on salvaging pride in their remaining match after consecutive defeats have left them with no route to the quarter-finals.

Group A standings after Thursday’s matches:

1. Kenya – 4 points
2. Morocco – 3 points
3. DR Congo – 3 points
4. Angola – 1 point
5. Zambia – 0 points