The second matchday of Group A in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will see DR Congo take on Zambia at 2:00 p.m., followed by Angola’s meeting with Kenya at 5:00 p.m., in two pivotal encounters that could significantly shape the group standings.
Having both suffered defeats in their opening matches, DR Congo and Zambia head into their afternoon showdown desperately seeking redemption.
With no points on the board, the stakes are high for the two sides as another loss could all but end their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.
DR Congo, historically one of the competition’s stronger sides, will be under pressure to deliver a result, while Zambia will be equally eager to bounce back and keep their qualification ambitions alive.
Later in the day, Kenya will look to build on their encouraging start when they face Angola in the second fixture. The Harambee Stars secured all three points in their opening outing and will aim to consolidate their position at the top of the group with a second consecutive win.
A victory would not only strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout rounds but also put pressure on group favourites Morocco.
Angola, meanwhile, are yet to register a point and know that anything short of a win will leave them in a precarious position heading into the final group game. The Palancas Negras will need to respond positively and bring urgency to their performance if they are to remain in contention.
After the first round of matches, Morocco and Kenya sit atop the Group A standings with three points each. Morocco’s superior goal difference gives them a slight edge, but Kenya could leapfrog the defending champions should they secure a convincing result against Angola.
Zambia, DR Congo, and Angola all remain without a point, making Thursday’s matches crucial for determining the early group dynamics.
With only the top two teams set to advance to the next round, the pressure is mounting on those yet to open their accounts. The competition format leaves little room for error, and the results on this second matchday could prove decisive in the battle for qualification.
The 2025 edition of CHAN has already delivered moments of intensity, and Thursday’s fixtures promise to further raise the tournament’s competitive edge. DR Congo and Zambia, both with strong footballing traditions in the region, are expected to put on a fiercely contested display, while Angola will have to overcome the challenge of a confident Kenyan side in the evening fixture.
As the action resumes, all eyes will be on Group A, where the margins are razor-thin and the path to the quarterfinals is still wide open.
