AFCON 2023 ROUND OF 16
EGYPT 1(7)- 1(8) DR CONGO
DR Congo secured a spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Egypt 8-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time and extra time in a competitive encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match kicked off with Meschack Elia of DR Congo making history by putting his team ahead with a skilful header from Yoane Wissa’s cross.
The 67th-ranked team was on course for a major upset, but their lead lasted only nine minutes. Mostafa Mohamed of Egypt levelled the score with a precise penalty just before halftime, capitalizing on a foul on Ahmed Hegazi.
The intensity escalated in extra time when Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdy received a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Simon Banza, leaving the Pharaohs with 10 players on the field.
As the game ended 1-1, the fate of the two teams was decided by a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi of DR Congo emerged as the hero by scoring the decisive penalty in the 18th round of the shootout, securing an 8-7 victory.
Egypt’s keeper Gabaski had missed from the spot earlier, adding to the dramatic turn of events.
The result means DR Congo will face Guinea in the quarterfinals at Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Friday, 2nd February 2024 (20:00 GMT).
Guinea secured their spot with a 1-0 victory against Equatorial Guinea earlier on Sunday.
The Leopards’ remarkable journey in the AFCON continues as they aim for further success against Guinea in the upcoming clash.
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