Democratic Republic of Congo progressed to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Guinea on Friday evening.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Congo DR 3-1 Guinea
Date: 02 February 2024
Venue: Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara
DRC qualified for the quarter-finals after eliminating Egypt on penalties in the round of 16 while the Syli National edges ten-man Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in their last 16 clash.
The Leopards were physical in the opening exchanges and they paid the price on 18 minutes after Chancel Mbemba conceded a penalty after a foul in the box.
Mohamed Bayo stepped up for Guinea and made no mistake, with a high strike towards the the top corner.
However, the Syli National’s lead was short-lived, as Mbemba redeemed himself with the equaliser for DR Congo after he pounced on a loose ball in the box.
Both sides struggled for momentum in the closing phase of the first stanza and went to break level pegging at 1-1.
Guinea were in control in the early stages of the second stanza, as they held into possession for longer periods.
However, DRC were aggressive even going forward and they won a penalty just after the hour-mark following a foul in the box.
Yoane Wissa eventually gave Sebastien Desabre’s charges a 2-1 lead with a strike that goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone got a hand to but could not keep it out.
Guinea were fired up to get back into the game but Arthur Masuaku had other ideas, as eight minutes before time he buried the game for Congo with a sublime free-kick that found the top corner.
The Leopards will meet the winner between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast in the semi-finals.
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