DR Congo secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Egypt in their last-16 match on Sunday.
Congo had the first promising attack of the game when Meschack Elia made a quick burst forward towards the Egypt box. However, he completely missed his shot and sent it high and wide.
The Central African nation had a few more chances, but they were unable to hit the target. With Egypt having more possession, it seemed like Congo’s early wastefulness would come back to haunt them. However, it was the Leopards who took the lead when Elia headed in a deflected Yoane Wissa cross from close range.
Just six minutes later, Egypt had a chance to equalize just before halftime. Dylan Batubinsika caught Ahmed Hegazy with his forearm while challenging for a header, resulting in a penalty after a VAR review. Mostafa Mohamed stepped up and successfully converted the penalty, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament.
In the second half, DR Congo came out strong. They had an early opportunity when Elia crossed the ball to Cedric Bakambu at the front post, but Bakambu failed to hit the target. Moments later, a corner was sent into the Egypt box, and Chancel Mbemba rushed in to meet it, but he sent it over the bar.
It wasn’t until the 60th minute that Egypt had their first chance of the half. Hamdi Fathy passed the ball to Zizo, who took a shot that was saved.
With time running out, Mohamed Hany played the ball into a dangerous area, but Mahmoud Hamada failed to control it and missed a great opportunity to score a late winning goal.
However, no decisive goal was scored in the 90 minutes, and the game went into extra time. During the next 30 minutes, both teams seemed tired and lacked the desire to score a winning goal.
After nine rounds of penalties, DR Congo finally advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to Lionel Mpasi, who successfully converted the winning penalty kick.
In the absence of injured playmaker Gael Kakuta, there were concerns that DR Congo would struggle to create scoring opportunities against Egypt’s defense. However, Elia did an excellent job of both generating and capitalizing on good chances.
Despite being the hero when he came off the bench and inspired his team to a crucial draw against Cape Verde, securing their spot in the last-16, Trezeguet appeared to be a completely different player when given a starting position against DR Congo. He failed to pose a threat to a team that desperately needed someone to ignite their attack, which we know he is capable of.
The Leopards will now face Guinea in the quarter-finals of the competition, while Salah’s hopes of making a late return to the tournament after his injury have been completely dashed. The game will take place at Alassane Ouattara Stadium on February 2.
