DR Congo face Angola at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium in a Group A match that could determine quarter-final qualification at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Egyptian referee Mahmoud Nagy will blow the the kick-off whistle at 6:00 PM (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports France, BeIN Sports MENA, and SuperSport.
Two-time CHAN champions DR Congo have had an inconsistent start to the tournament. Their 3-1 victory over Zambia in the previous match provided a boost ahead of this crucial encounter. Angola, runners-up in 2011, come into the game with four points after a 1-1 draw with Kenya and a 2-1 win over Zambia, showing a disciplined approach under Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves with a 3-4-3 formation.
With head coach Otis Ngoma absent due to illness, assistant coach Daouda Lupembe is in charge. “Being afraid of qualification is normal. But being afraid of losing is what leads to defeat. We must take this pressure positively, it must motivate us,” he said.
Lupembe highlighted the need for focus and careful midfield play. “It will be difficult because in front of us, we will have a team at the top of their 3-4-3, they can hurt at any time. It is up to us to be focused in the midfield especially. Football is played on details sometimes that you work on, you can never reduce the uncertainties of football.”
He also urged his players to manage the highs and lows of the game. “Every match has its truth. There will be strong moments and weak moments. It’s up to us to stay focused, to consolidate our strengths and to minimize our weaknesses. The whole Republic is behind these young people, and we believe in our ability to produce beautiful play and a good result.”
Score Prediction:
DR Congo must avoid defeat to remain in contention, while Angola can secure a quarter-final place with a win. Expect a tight draw with both sides capable of scoring, but also cautious given what’s at stake. Let’s say Angola 1-1 DR Congo.
