2023 AFCON: Morocco vs DR Congo report

Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui (R) gives instructions to Sofyan Amrabat (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group F soccer match between Morocco and Croatia at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, 23 November 2022. EPA/Noushad Thekkayil

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jan 21, 2024. 18:32

Morocco let a lead slip in their 1-1 draw against DR Congo in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group F match at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro on Sunday afternoon.

Date: 21 January 2024

Morocco (1) 1 (Hakimi 6′)

DR Congo (0) 1 (Silas 76′)

First 45’: It took just six minutes for Morocco to take a 1-0 lead as Achraf Hakimi fired home Hakim Ziyech’s corner-kick – beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi hands down. DR Congo had a chance to level matters from the penalty spot in the 41st minute after Selim Amallah had fouled Henoc Inonga in the box. Cedric Bakumbu then stepped up and he hit the upright which saw the first-half ending with Morocco leading 1-0.

Second 45’: DR Congo were the better side after the restart with coach Sebastien Desabre having introduced inspired substitutes Meschak Elia and Silas Katompa Mvumpa within the first nine minutes of the second-half. The duo was involved when parity was restored in the 76th minute as Silas turned home Elia’s cross to make it 1-1. Both teams pushed for a late goal, but they couldn’t find it and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

What’s next?: Morocco remained at the top of the group standings and they will progress to the Round of 16 if they beat Zambia on 24 January, while second-placed DR Congo will also advance to the knockout phase if they defeat Tanzania on the same day.