Substitute Kaporal came off the bench to score twice in the final 11 minutes as Angola staged a stunning comeback to beat Zambia 2-1 and jump to second place in Group A at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The result breathes new life into the Palancas Negras’ campaign, lifting them to four points from three matches — three behind leaders Kenya — while Zambia remain rooted to the bottom without a point after two games.
Earlier in the day, co-hosts Kenya had edged Morocco 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, a result that left the group finely balanced heading into the evening kick-off.
Zambia Draw First Blood
In a cagey opening 45 minutes, both teams struggled to turn possession into clear chances.
Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba threatened early, forcing Angola keeper Neblú into two saves inside the first minute, while Anderson Cruz and Vidinho saw efforts narrowly miss the target for the Angolans.
The deadlock was broken in the 73rd minute when Dominic Chanda pounced on a loose ball in the area following a set-piece to fire Zambia in front.
It was the Chipolopolo’s first goal of the tournament and looked set to spark their revival after a disappointing 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in their opener.
Kaporal’s Game-Changing Cameo
Pedro Gonçalves reacted quickly, introducing Kaporal to inject urgency into Angola’s attack. The move paid instant dividends.
In the 79th minute, Kaporal finished coolly from a Gogoró pass to draw Angola level. Seven minutes later, he struck again, this time reacting fastest in a crowded box to slam home the winner.
Zambia, stunned by the turnaround, pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were met with stubborn Angolan defending and wasteful finishing. Jackson Kampamba fired wide from close range in the 76th minute, while Chanda’s stoppage-time header failed to trouble Neblú.
Standings Shake-Up
Angola’s win not only keeps them alive in the tournament but also dramatically changes the complexion of Group A.
Updated Group A standings after today’s matches:
Kenya – 7 points (3 matches)
Angola – 4 points (3 matches)
Morocco – 3 points (2 matches)
DR Congo – 3 points (2 matches)
Zambia – 0 points (2 matches)
With two games remaining for most sides, Angola are now in a strong position to push for a quarter-final berth, while Zambia must win both of their remaining matches to stand any chance of progressing.
What It Means
For Angola, this was a statement win under pressure. They had come into the match knowing anything less than victory could spell the end of their campaign. Gonçalves’ men showed composure to recover from a goal down and ruthlessness to seal all three points.
For Zambia, the defeat is a bitter blow. Avram Grant’s side looked in control after taking the lead but once again failed to manage key moments, a recurring problem in their recent CHAN history.
What’s Next
Angola now face DR Congo in what could be a decisive showdown for qualification.
Zambia’s next task is no easier — a clash against in-form hosts Kenya, who are yet to lose in the tournament.
If Angola can carry the momentum from Kaporal’s heroics into their next fixture, the Palancas Negras may yet transform a stuttering start into a deep run in CHAN 2024.
