Latest news with #PAMOJA2024
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Co-hosts Tanzania take on Madagascar in Group B
Co-hosts Tanzania will face Madagascar in a crucial TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 clash in Dar es Salaam on Saturday. Madagascar will face their 6th different team at CHAN, and Tanzania is their first East African opponent. This is Madagascar's first encounter against a CHAN host nation. Tanzania face a COSAFA member for the fourth time, with one win, one draw, and one loss in their previous three games. Previously, Tanzania drew 1-1 with Zambia in 2009, lost 2-0 to Zambia, and won 1-0 against Namibia in their first two group games at the 2020 edition. Madagascar are the 8th different nation Tanzania will face at CHAN and the first island nation they will meet. Madagascar – Key Facts · Drew their opening game against Mauritania 0-0. · Failed to win a group game for the first time, having won both group matches in 2022. · Their previous five CHAN games all produced a winner and goals. · Madagascar have never previously kept successive clean sheets. · Defeat will see them lose a group game at CHAN for the first time. · In their fifth CHAN game (against Mauritania), they kept their third clean sheet. · Their only previous second group game was a 3-0 win over Sudan in the last edition — their biggest win at the finals. · Had just 37% possession against Mauritania, their second-lowest at CHAN (previously 36.5% vs Ghana in 2022). · Made 269 accurate passes against Mauritania, while their opponents made 532. · Managed just one shot on target against Mauritania. Tanzania – Key Facts · Won their first two games, defeating Burkina Faso and Mauritania. · Have always won their second group game at CHAN. · Have never conceded a goal in their second group game, winning all three 1-0. · Extended their unbeaten run at CHAN finals to four games (W3 D1). · This is the first time Tanzania have won successive games at CHAN. · Have lost just one of their last seven CHAN games — a 2-0 loss to Zambia in 2020. · In all eight CHAN games involving Tanzania that produced a winner, the winning team kept a clean sheet. · Kept clean sheets in their first two games for the first time at CHAN. · Two clean sheets is the most Tanzania has kept in a single CHAN edition. · Have never won their third group game at CHAN; previous results were draws: 1-1 vs Zambia (2009) and 2-2 vs Guinea (2020). · Victory in this match will see Tanzania qualify for the knockout rounds at CHAN for the first time. · If they score, it will be their fourth goal of the tournament — their highest in a single edition (previously 2 in 2009 and 3 in 2020). · Attempted 508 passes against Mauritania, completing 410. · Ibrahim Hamad had 108 touches — the most by any player in the game — completed a game-high 81 passes, and won 15 duels. · Tanzania had 11 shots at goal against Mauritania, with three on target. · Shomari Kapombe scored Tanzania's goal against Mauritania, his first goal of the current finals. · All three Tanzanian goals have been scored by different players so far. · Kapombe scored with his only shot on target. · His goal was the latest Tanzania has ever scored in a CHAN match, coming in the 89th minute (previous latest was the 88th minute).
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Gilberto vows Angola will ‘work harder' after Kenya stalemate
Published: Friday, 08 August 2025 For Gilberto, Thursday night's Group A clash at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi was not just another group-stage fixture — it was a test of patience, control, and persistence. In a match where Angola enjoyed the lion's share of possession but could not break down 10-man Kenya, the midfield general was at the heart of every move, dictating tempo and keeping his side on the front foot. Gilberto delivered a commanding performance in a high-intensity Group A clash in front of a capacity crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi. The match ended 1-1, with Kenya playing more than 70 minutes with 10 men after Marvin Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute. Angola had the numerical advantage but they were unable to break down a resolute Kenyan defence, led by an inspired Byrne Omondi in goal. Despite Angola's frustration at failing to convert dominance into victory in the 1-1 draw, Gilberto's composure and influence stood out. His commanding display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, recognition he insists belongs as much to his teammates as to himself. 'I am really happy to have won the trophy, but this is not my sole effort — it is a contribution from all my teammates that resulted in this. The credit is for them,' he said after the match. Facing the Roar of Nairobi Playing in front of a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Gilberto and his teammates had to contend not only with a stubborn Kenyan side but also with a wall of noise from the home fans. 'The atmosphere was very tough, as you know Kenya was playing at home. Unfortunately, we didn't win the match, but we will keep working so that we can win the next one,' the Angolan midfielder explained. Respect for Kenya's Resilience With years of experience at AFCON, the CAF Champions League, and other high-level African competitions, Gilberto knows the value of respecting a disciplined opponent. He acknowledged Kenya's defensive organisation, particularly after they went down to 10 men in the 21st minute. 'It was a very tough match because both teams are very good. We did our best to win, but unfortunately we didn't. As I said before, we will go back and work harder to win our next game.' Looking Ahead The draw leaves Angola on one point from two games, meaning they must now beat DR Congo in their final Group A match to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. If Thursday's performance was any indication, Gilberto's leadership and tactical intelligence will be central to their push for qualification.
CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
Gilberto wows Angola will ‘work harder' after Kenya stalemate
Published: Friday, 08 August 2025 For Gilberto, Thursday night's Group A clash at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi was not just another group-stage fixture — it was a test of patience, control, and persistence. In a match where Angola enjoyed the lion's share of possession but could not break down 10-man Kenya, the midfield general was at the heart of every move, dictating tempo and keeping his side on the front foot. Gilberto delivered a commanding performance in a high-intensity Group A clash in front of a capacity crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi. The match ended 1-1, with Kenya playing more than 70 minutes with 10 men after Marvin Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute. Angola had the numerical advantage but they were unable to break down a resolute Kenyan defence, led by an inspired Byrne Omondi in goal. Despite Angola's frustration at failing to convert dominance into victory in the 1-1 draw, Gilberto's composure and influence stood out. His commanding display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, recognition he insists belongs as much to his teammates as to himself. 'I am really happy to have won the trophy, but this is not my sole effort — it is a contribution from all my teammates that resulted in this. The credit is for them,' he said after the match. Facing the Roar of Nairobi Playing in front of a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Gilberto and his teammates had to contend not only with a stubborn Kenyan side but also with a wall of noise from the home fans. 'The atmosphere was very tough, as you know Kenya was playing at home. Unfortunately, we didn't win the match, but we will keep working so that we can win the next one,' the Angolan midfielder explained. Respect for Kenya's Resilience With years of experience at AFCON, the CAF Champions League, and other high-level African competitions, Gilberto knows the value of respecting a disciplined opponent. He acknowledged Kenya's defensive organisation, particularly after they went down to 10 men in the 21st minute. 'It was a very tough match because both teams are very good. We did our best to win, but unfortunately we didn't. As I said before, we will go back and work harder to win our next game.' Looking Ahead The draw leaves Angola on one point from two games, meaning they must now beat DR Congo in their final Group A match to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. If Thursday's performance was any indication, Gilberto's leadership and tactical intelligence will be central to their push for qualification.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Resilient 10-man Kenya hold Angola to go top of Group A
Published: Thursday, 07 August 2025 Ten-man Kenya showed immense grit and resilience to hold Angola to a 1-1 draw in a dramatic Group A clash at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi on Thursday night. Playing in front of a boisterous home crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, the Harambee Stars were forced to play with a man down for over 70 minutes after Marvin Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute. But Austin Odhiambo's coolly-taken penalty ensured Benni McCarthy's side remained unbeaten in the tournament and top of the group with four points after two games. Angola, who had lost their opener to Morocco, started brightly and took the lead in the 7th minute when Jó Paciência slotted home a low shot after a well-worked move involving Beni Jetour. The goal silenced the home fans momentarily and looked to set the tone for a dominant Angolan display. But Kenya responded swiftly. Odhiambo won a penalty after a VAR check confirmed a foul by Mafuta in the box. The Gor Mahia playmaker stepped up and confidently buried the spot-kick into the bottom left corner to bring the Harambee Stars level in the 12th minute – scoring his second goal of the tournament and further cementing his status as Kenya's breakout star at CHAN 2024. The match took a dramatic twist in the 21st minute when midfielder Nabwire, who had initially been shown a yellow card, saw his punishment upgraded to a red after a VAR review. Kenya were reduced to 10 men, and the tactical approach from coach McCarthy quickly shifted to contain the possession-heavy Angolans. From then on, it was a case of resolute defending, smart game management, and heroic goalkeeping from Byrne Omondi. The Kenya goalkeeper made a series of vital saves to keep the hosts level, including denying Aguinaldo Matias and Jó Paciência from close range in the second half. Despite being a man down, Kenya created a few opportunities of their own. Substitute Chrispine Erambo went close late on with a powerful drive, and Sylvester Owino narrowly missed the target after a well-delivered corner. Angola thought they had snatched victory in stoppage time when Kaporal scored from a rebound, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside in a dramatic end to the game. The final whistle was met with a mix of relief and celebration from the Kenyan bench, who knew just how significant the point was given the circumstances. Kenya in Control of Group A The draw sees Kenya go top of Group A with four points from two matches, ahead of Morocco and DR Congo who both have three. Angola's draw leaves them with one point and needing a win in their final game against DR Congo to have any hopes of progressing. For McCarthy, the result was further proof of his side's growing belief and character. Angola now face a must-win encounter against DR Congo in their final group game, while Kenya can book a historic quarter-final place with a result against Morocco.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo end winless run with clinical victory over Zambia
DR Congo reignited their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group A match on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku helped the Leopards bounce back from their opening day defeat to co-hosts Kenya and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The win also marked the end of a five-match winless run for DR Congo at CHAN, while inflicting Zambia's first-ever group stage defeat in the competition's history — a remarkable statistic that stretched across 12 matches prior to kickoff. Second-half spark lifts DR Congo After a goalless and scrappy first half that saw both sides cancel each other out, DR Congo came out of the break with renewed intensity and soon found the breakthrough. Just six minutes into the second half, a neat passage of play saw Jephte Kitambala pick out Ibrahim Matobo, who powered a right-footed effort into the top left corner to give Otis Ngoma's side a deserved lead in the 51st minute. Zambia attempted to respond, but their best efforts — including close-range headers from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu — were thwarted by goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, who delivered a composed and commanding display between the posts. The Leopards doubled their lead in the 71st minute through substitute Horso Mwaku, who latched onto a pinpoint pass from Oscar Kabwit on a fast break and lashed the ball high into the net from the centre of the box. That goal sealed the result and underlined DR Congo's clinical edge on the night — a stark contrast to their wasteful display against Kenya. A match of missed chances for Chipolopolo Despite boasting a proud CHAN group-stage record, Zambia looked out of rhythm and short on ideas in the attacking third. Their opening half was marked by poor decision-making and a lack of penetration. Coach Avram Grant, who had urged his team to focus on shape and confidence in the build-up, made multiple substitutions in the second half in search of inspiration, including the introductions of Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Frederick Mulambia. Zulu came closest to pulling one back in the 89th minute when his header from the centre of the box was saved low by Efonge — a moment that summed up Zambia's evening in front of goal. DR Congo's response after opening setback For DR Congo, the win not only ends their five-game winless run at CHAN but also keeps them in the mix for a place in the quarter-finals. After losing 1-0 to Kenya in their opening game — and going over 427 minutes without a goal in the competition — the Leopards showed resilience, tactical balance, and sharp finishing to pick up a crucial three points. Coach Otis Ngoma had demanded a reaction from his players, and they delivered with maturity and urgency. Standout performances from Ibrahim Matobo - who won the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award - Kabwit, Kitambala, and Efonge anchored the victory, while substitutes Mwaku and Boaz Ngalamulume added fresh energy to see out the result. Group A standings after two rounds With this result, Group A now features a three-way tie at the top. Morocco, Kenya, and DR Congo all sit on three points, separated by goal difference. Zambia and Angola have work to do if they are to salvage their campaigns. Kenya will face Angola later tonight in what could further reshape the group landscape, while DR Congo's final group match against Morocco is shaping up to be a potential group decider.
