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 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

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.