Morocco sends DR Congo home book quarter-final spot as Kenya top Group A

Morocco, the two-time champions, delivered an exhilarating performance that saw them eliminate DR Congo with a resounding 3-1 victory in a gripping match during the final group stage of The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the iconic Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Right from the first whistle, both teams showcased their eagerness to dominate, trading fierce attacks that electrified the atmosphere. Morocco quickly seized control, taking an early lead in the 8th minute. Oussama Lamlaoui brilliantly found the back of the net, firing a precise shot into the bottom left corner after receiving a superb cross from Youssef Belammari, igniting the Moroccan fans’ cheers.

DR Congo, determined to respond, piled on the pressure as they sought to equalize. Their efforts finally bore fruit in the 43rd minute when Jephté Kitambala delivered a well-placed shot from the left side of the six-yard box, finding the bottom left corner and leveling the score just before halftime. The stadium erupted, a mix of joy and frustration echoing from both sets of supporters.

The second half proved to be a turning point. In the 70th minute, Morocco was awarded a vital penalty after Khalid Baba’s determined run forced defender Magloire Ntambwe to commit a foul. Mohamed Hrimat stepped up to take the penalty, demonstrating nerves of steel as he calmly slotted the ball into the top left corner. The connection of boot to ball sent Moroccan fans into a frenzy, transforming the atmosphere and shifting the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favor.

Morocco’s relentless assault continued to prove effective, and just ten minutes later, Lamlaoui struck again. Following a beautifully orchestrated play, he expertly directed a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, finding the net once more with the aid of a slick assist from Youssef Mehri. This breathtaking goal solidified Morocco’s lead at 3-1, illustrating their clinical finishing and keen ability to capitalize on every opportunity presented.

Tension filled the air in the 85th minute when a potential fourth goal by Lamlaoui was ruled offside after a VAR review, temporarily deflating the enthusiasm surging through the Moroccan fans. Yet, the team’s defensive resilience shone brightly as they held DR Congo at bay. Despite the Congolese side’s attempts to orchestrate a comeback with tactical substitutions, they found it increasingly challenging to create clear-cut chances against Morocco’s well-organized defense.

As the clock wound down, the atmosphere intensified, with late-game injuries and substitutions adding layers of drama to an already thrilling match. When the final whistle blew, it marked the culmination of Morocco’s hard-fought victory, a significant milestone in their campaign. Their performance not only highlighted their capacity to rebound from adversity but also displayed their dominance in the second half.

For DR Congo, the defeat spelled an early exit from the tournament, sending them home as Morocco eagerly prepares to face Tanzania in the exciting quarterfinals.