D.R Congo advances after dramatic penalty shootout
DR Congo secured its ticket to the CAF TotalEnergies Côte d’Ivoire CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, defeating Egypt on penalties 8-7 (1-1 at the end). Extensions).
By so doing, D.R. Congo has knocked Egypt out of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
Stade Laurent Pokou was blazing throughout the 120 minutes the game was played.
Meschack Elia scored to put D.R. Congo into the lead in the 37th minute. He headed home from the six-yard box to score the game’s opening goal.
The Pharaohs showed what they were made up of by responding to D.R. Congo’s lead in the first half.
Egypt was awarded a penalty after the VAR review. Attacker Mostafa Mohamed made no mistake, converting it into the top right corner. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau was soundly beaten as the ball nestled in his net.
Despite their second-half dominance, the seven-time champions couldn’t break down the resilient D.R. Congo defense.
The game finally transitioned to extra time, the very first one of the tournament in Côte D’Ivoire.
Egypt was reduced to 10 men in the extra time after Hamdi Mohamed was sent off following his second yellow card of the game.
The numerical disadvantage didn’t prevent Egypt from pressing and creating the chances.
The game ultimately went into a penalty kick shootout, and Egypt missed twice from the penalty spot; Mostafa Mohamed and goalkeeper Gabaski both missed their kicks, and Arthur Masuaku missed his earlier for D.R. Congo.
D.R. Congo won 8-7 on penalties and has progressed to the quarter-finals.
𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃! ✅
🇨🇩 The Leopards book their flight ticket to the quarter-finals! 🛫#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/xPnx1fbWgV
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 28, 2024
Egypt has twice failed to advance from Round 16 in three previous attempts. D.R. Congo’s progress has been halted in their first knockout game in their two previous appearances (2019 and 2017).
Sebastien Desabre’s men will now face Guinea in the last 8.
