CHAN 2024: Morocco defeat DR Congo to secure quarter-final place

Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) after a 3-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kenya on Sunday, a result that confirmed their place in the knockout stages while eliminating the Leopards.

Both sides entered the decisive Group A clash level on six points, with Morocco holding second place only on goal difference.

The match quickly proved to be a direct battle for qualification, and it was Morocco who struck first.

Oussama Lamlioui opened the scoring in the eighth minute, capitalising on early Moroccan pressure to put the Atlas Lions ahead.

The DR Congo, however, responded with determination.

They pressed forward and were eventually rewarded shortly before the interval.

In the 43rd minute, Jephté Kitambala Bola levelled the contest, restoring hope for the Leopards and sending both teams into half-time locked at 1-1.

The second half belonged to Morocco. Midfielder Mohamed Hrimat restored the lead with a composed finish, making it 2-1 and tilting the momentum firmly in favour of the North Africans.

As DR Congo chased an equaliser, gaps began to appear, and Morocco seized their chance to put the contest beyond reach.

Lamlioui struck again in the 80th minute, completing his brace and stretching the scoreline to 3-1.

His double proved decisive, sealing Morocco’s place in the next round and breaking Congolese resistance in the final stages.

The win sees Morocco finish Group A with nine points, just one behind co-hosts Kenya, who topped the group on 10 following their victory against Zambia earlier in the day.

The DR Congo, despite a spirited campaign, end their tournament in third place with six points, falling short of progression.

For Morocco, the performance highlighted both their attacking intent and their ability to respond under pressure.

With Lamlioui in inspired form and Hrimat controlling midfield exchanges, the Atlas Lions showed the quality and resilience needed to push deeper into the competition.

By contrast, DR Congo will reflect on a campaign that showed promise but ultimately fell short at the decisive moment.

Kitambala Bola’s equaliser briefly reignited hopes, but defensive lapses in the second half proved costly.

With qualification secured, Morocco now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they will seek to build on their strong group stage performances and continue their pursuit of CHAN glory.