MOROCCO JUMPS TO SIX POINTS, CLOSING IN ON CHAN QUARTER-FINAL SPOT

Two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo reignited their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaigns on Thursday with decisive victories over Zambia and Angola.

In a high-intensity clash at Nyayo National Stadium, Morocco overpowered Zambia 3-1 to move into second place in Group A. The Atlas Lions, who had missed several clear chances early on, finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when captain Mohamed Hrimat converted Youssef Mehri’s outswinging corner.

Zambia thought they had equalised in the 65th minute through defender Happy Nsiku, but a VAR review ruled out the goal for an infringement in the build-up. Morocco responded instantly, with Oussama Lamlaoui doubling the lead just a minute later. Substitute Andrew Phiri gave the Chipolopolo a glimmer of hope with a 70th-minute strike, but Sabir Bougrine sealed the win for Morocco in stoppage time.

The victory lifts Morocco to six points, placing them firmly in qualification territory, just one behind group leaders Kenya, who face Zambia in their final group match.

Meanwhile, DR Congo ended Angola’s quarter-final dreams with a 2-0 win. Angola, runners-up in 2011, needed victory to keep their campaign alive but conceded twice in the second half. Jephte Kitambala opened the scoring before Mokonzi Katumbwe added a second, keeping the Leopards level on points with Morocco.

The final round of Group A fixtures on Sunday will see DR Congo take on Morocco, while Kenya meet Zambia, with all three sides still in the hunt for a quarter-final berth.