Angola kept their CHAN 2024 dream alive in dramatic fashion on Sunday night, as substitute Kaporal struck twice in the closing stages to turn the game on its head and secure a 2-1 win over Zambia in Group A.
The Palancas Negras had looked set for another frustrating evening after falling behind in the 73rd minute, but Kaporal’s inspired cameo lifted them to second place in the group with four points from three games — just three adrift of leaders Kenya. Zambia, meanwhile, remain bottom, still searching for their first point after two matches.
Earlier in the day, co-hosts Kenya edged Morocco 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, leaving the group finely poised before Angola and Zambia’s clash under the floodlights.
Zambia Strike First
The opening half offered more tension than clear chances. Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba tested Angola keeper Neblú twice inside the first minute, while Anderson Cruz and Vidinho came close at the other end.
The breakthrough came deep into the second half when Zambia capitalised on a set-piece scramble. Dominic Chanda reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, firing home to give the Chipolopolo their first goal of the tournament.
With memories of their 3-1 defeat to DR Congo still fresh, it looked like the goal might spark Zambia’s revival.
Kaporal Changes the Script
But Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves had other ideas. Moments after Zambia’s opener, he sent on Kaporal to add bite to the attack. The change proved decisive.
In the 79th minute, Kaporal latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Gogoró and slotted in the equaliser. The stadium had barely settled before he struck again seven minutes later, pouncing on a loose ball in a crowded area to smash home the winner.
Zambia’s attempts at a late rescue fell flat — Jackson Kampamba sliced wide from close range, and Chanda’s stoppage-time header was comfortably gathered by Neblú.
What It Means
For Angola, the result was more than just three points — it was a show of resilience under pressure. From a goal down, Gonçalves’ side found the composure and finishing edge they had been missing earlier in the tournament.
For Zambia, it was another night of frustration. Avram Grant’s men had the lead in their hands but once again failed to manage key moments — a pattern that has haunted them in recent CHAN campaigns.
What’s Next
Angola now face DR Congo in a potentially decisive battle for a quarter-final spot. Zambia’s challenge doesn’t get any easier — they meet unbeaten hosts Kenya in a must-win encounter.
If Kaporal’s late heroics spark a wider resurgence, Angola might yet turn a shaky start into a deep CHAN 2024 run.
