2023 AFCON: Egypt v DR Congo report

by Thando Mpembe

Monday Jan 29, 2024. 01:34

DR Congo stunned Egypt at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), beating them on penalties to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament at the San Pedro Stadium on Sunday evening.

The match ended 1-1 after extra time and DR Congo secured the victory by taking the penalty shootout to a scoreline of 8-7.

Date: 28 January 2024

Egypt (1) 1 (Mohamed ’45+1)

DR Congo (1) 1 (Elia 37’)

Teams

Egypt: M. Abou Gabal, M. Hany, A. Hegazi, M. Abdelmonem, A. Fotouh (M. Hamdi ’46), M. Attia (M. Hamada 84’), M. Elneny (M. Lasheen 112’), H. Fathi (O. Kamal 100’), A.Zizo (M. Fathi 90+1’), M. Mohamed, M. Trézéguet (O. Marmoush 84’)

DR Congo: L. Mpasi, A. Masuaku, D. Batubinsika (H. Inonga 65’), C. Mbemba, G. Kalulu, T. Bongonda, S. Moutoussamy, C. Pikel (Tshibola 78’),Y. Wissa (S. Mvumpa 88’), C. Bakambu (S. Banza 65’), M. Elia (G. Diangana 106’)

First 45’: Egypt started off strong but eventually fell short with their attacking efforts. DR Congo took advantage of the chances they had received and had plenty of attempts on the break that did not result in a goal. Eventually, after much patience and attacking strategy, DR Congo finally broke the deadlock in the 37th minute through Meschak Elia who was on the receiving end of a cross from Yoane Wissa and finished to put the Leopards head.

Just before the end of half time, Egypt were awarded a penalty as Dylan Batubinsika had his hand in Ahmed Hegazi’s face as they both went for the ball in the box. The penalty was scored by Mostafa Mohamed as he tucked the ball into the top corner of the net, giving the Congolese goalkeeper no chance of saving the shot.

Second 45’: The second half saw DR Congo try their best to retain their lead but it would be to avail. Eventually, it seemed as though the Egyptians had more of a grip on the game as they continued to dominate possession. It was still a stalemate at the end of the second half and the match went into extra time.

Mohamed Hamdi was sent off for Egypt after receiving a second yellow card but DR Congo could not find a way through the Egyptians’ tight defensive structure. The match would then go onto penalties where nobody could break the deadlock at the end of extra time.

The penalty shootout was extremely tight with both teams only missing one penalty each before heading into sudden death. Pharaohs goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal missed his spot kick, and that would ultimately prove to be the end as Lionel Mpasi converted his for the Leopards.

This meant that DR Congo advanced to the quarter-finals of the AFCON and Egypt, who were finalists in the 2021 edition of the competition, were knocked out.