Two-time champions of the Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo, and one-time winner Zambia, played to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night.
The match between Zambia and DR Congo was highly entertaining, despite ending in a tie.
In the 23rd minute, Kings Kangwa scored the first goal from outside the box, taking advantage of the goalkeeper’s failed attempt to intercept a long ball.
Kangwa skillfully lobbed the ball over everyone to open the scoring at the Sate Laurent Pokou. Just four minutes later, DRC equalized through Yoane Wissa, who was assisted by Cedric Bakambu.
Bakambu chest-trapped a long ball from midfield and passed it to Wissa, who tapped it into the net. Three minutes after that, DRC almost scored again, but veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu made a crucial goal-line clearance to prevent the ball from going in.
Tandi Mwape was first called for handling the ball in the box at the hour mark after he slid to stop the Congolese player’s low cross.
Bamlak Tessema, the man in the center, pointed directly to the location without pausing. But Tessema was summoned to check out the pitchside monitor just as Cedric Bakambu was about to take the penalty.
He rethought his decision to impose the penalty after considering a few alternative viewpoints.
The DRC entered Zambia’s box numerous times and controlled the game from the beginning. The majority of the opportunities fell to Congo, including one in which Arthur Masuaku attempted a long-range effort but goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga stopped him.
Mulenga was playing at his best, ensuring his team got a point and avoided conceding more than one goal.
Morocco is thrilled with the outcome, as they easily defeated Tanzania 3-0 to solidify their position as the favorites.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists lead Group F and will try to maintain their superiority on January 21 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
On January 21, Zambia, a team from Southern Africa, will play Tanzania. A victory would be extremely important for Chipolopolo, who are returning to the competition after missing the previous two.
In the meantime, the main Group F match of the day is supposed to feature Congo versus Morocco.
