Abidjan, (CIV): The Democratic Republic of Congo has sealed its ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after displaying a commanding victory in a 3-1 triumph against Guinea on Friday night.
The match, which began as a closely contested battle, saw DR Congo come from behind to defeat Guinea despite the latter taking the lead through Mohamed Bayo’s penalty.
Former West Ham United defender Arthur Masuaku scored a vital goal as the Democratic Republic of Congo beat Guinea 3-1 on Friday to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
The game’s turning point came in the 65th minute when Brentford’s Yoane Wissa converted a skilful penalty to give The Leopards a 2-1 lead before Masuaku extended the lead with a two-goal advantage from a direct free-kick in the 82nd minute.
The first half of the game ended with both teams locked in a 1-1 draw. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba equalized for his team in the 27th minute after conceding a 21st-minute penalty that Mohamed Bayo had converted for Guinea.
As the second half kicked off with the referee’s whistle, both teams looked eager to break the deadlock.
Guinea’s Issiaga Sylla attempted to create an attacking opportunity in the 47th minute, sending a cross from the top of the box into the penalty area. But the DR Congo defence dealt comfortably with the cross, intercepting the long ball.
DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku tried a through ball from a corner kick in the 50th minute, but the opportunity went begging as the opposition defence cleared the ball away.
The solid-looking and now spirited DR Congo team is set to face host Ivory Coast or Mali in the semifinals on Wednesday next week.
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