DR Congo’s players celebrate after winning at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 round of 16 football match between Egypt and DR Congo at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro yesterday.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains on course for its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Egypt.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was the unlikely hero as his spot-kick sent the leopard through to the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw.
The Pharaohs had a couple of huge opportunities to open the scoring early on when Ahmed Hegazy headed over from Marwan Attia’s right-wing cross before Mostafa Mohamed converted his kick from a promising position in the box,at the other end, the best early chance came when Théo Bongonda was found in space, but fired off target from near the penalty spot.
That was a sign of things to come from the 1974 champions, who took the lead on 37 minutes when Meschak Elia nodded his side into a 1-0 lead, although he could barely miss from inches out as he met Yoane Wissa’s deflected cross.
That advantage didn’t last long though, with Rui Vitória’s side equalising before halftime.
A VAR review led to a harsh penalty being awarded against Dylan Batubinsika for a trailing arm on Hegazy, and Mohamed duly dispatched the spot-kick, his fourth goal in as many games at the tournament.
