Derby of Destiny: DRC and Angola lock horns in CHAN quarter-final race
On Thursday evening, Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium will be the scene of a clash that could define the fate of two nations in Group A of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
When the Leopards A’ of the Democratic Republic of Congo meet the Palancas Negras of Angola, the prize is simple yet monumental — a giant leap towards the quarter-finals.
It’s not just football on the line. This is a contest rich in history, rivalry, and high stakes. For DRC, a two-time CHAN champion, the journey began with a stumble but roared back to life in their last outing.
For Angola, runners-up in 2011, the tournament has been a story of steady progress and a squad in sync with its coach’s vision.
Both know that in a group this tight, the smallest detail can tilt the balance.
From History to High Stakes
The last time these two sides met in a CHAN final phase was in Rwanda 2016, a goal-laden semi-final that DRC won 4-2 before lifting the trophy.
But 2024 is a different battleground. Angola, under Portuguese tactician Pedro Gonçalves, has built a cohesive unit in a disciplined 3-4-3 shape — a system designed to strike hard and fast when opportunities come.
The DRC, on the other hand, has been a paradox — a giant in name, still searching for full consistency on the pitch.
Their recent victory over Zambia was a much-needed reminder of their capabilities, and now they face a do-or-die contest that will test their mental and tactical steel.
Lupembe: Pressure Must Be a Weapon, Not a Weight
With head coach Otis Ngoma absent due to illness, assistant coach Daouda Lupembe has stepped into the spotlight, carrying both the tactical responsibilities and the motivational message.
“Being afraid of qualification is normal. But being afraid of losing is what leads to defeat. We must take this pressure positively, it must motivate us,” he said.
Lupembe explained that their previous match allowed him to rotate and assess his squad.
“The first objective pursued with this tie match settled (3-1) in their favor, was to give playing time to those who had not yet played.
"This allowed us to see what each could bring and to consider rearrangements compared to the team aligned against Zambia,” he added.
He’s under no illusion about the challenge Angola presents.
“It will be difficult because in front of us, we will have a team at the top of their 3-4-3, they can hurt at any time. It is up to us to be focused in the midfield especially. Football is played on details sometimes that you work on, you can never reduce the uncertainties of football.”
Every Match Has Its Truth
The assistant coach is urging his side to embrace the unpredictability of the game.
“Every match has its truth. There will be strong moments and weak moments. It’s up to us to stay focused, to consolidate our strengths and to minimize our weaknesses. The whole Republic is behind these young people, and we believe in our ability to produce beautiful play and a good result.”
Those words are a rallying cry for a team that knows what is at stake. A loss could effectively end their campaign; a win would throw the group wide open.
Angola’s Steady March
Angola has quietly built momentum. After a 1-1 draw with Kenya and a 2-1 win over Zambia, they come into this match with four points and confidence in their style.
Their blend of physical discipline and sharp attacking movement makes them a dangerous opponent — and with this being their last group game, there is no holding back.
Fine Margins, Big Rewards
In Group A, Morocco, Angola, and DRC are all still in contention.
For the Leopards, avoiding defeat keeps them alive; for Angola, a win would punch their ticket to the knockout stages.
The Nairobi crowd can expect intensity, drama, and perhaps a twist that will be remembered long after CHAN 2024 ends.