In the second quarter-final of the AFCON 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo overcame Guinea 3-1 to book their place in the semi-finals.
The DR Congo booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAN 2023 with a 3-1 victory over Guinea on Friday February 1, in a match that was fast-paced from the outset. The match between the Leopards and Guinea got off to a flying start. The Guineans first broke into the Congolese camp in the 1st minute but Morgan Guilavoqui was first thwarted by Mbemba, then by goalkeeper Mpasi. Then (3rd), Yoane Wissa missed the target after taking advantage of a misunderstanding between opposing goalkeeper Ibrahim Koné and Mouctar Diakhaby. Ten minutes later, Moutoussamy was picked out on the edge of the box by Meschack Elia. But his flat left foot was blocked by Diakhaby, who saved for the Syli. Both teams seemed intent on wrapping things up early on. In the end, it was Guinea who took the lead. Mohamed Bayo was awarded a penalty following contact with Mbemba. The striker took the penalty himself to open the scoring (21st), his 3rd goal in this CAN 2023.
In the 27th minute, Chancel Mbemba, with his pride and captaincy intact, brought the scores level. From a corner, the number 22 picked up the ball at the far post and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed drive (1-1). After the half-hour cool-down, the game cooled down. Both teams returned to the dressing room with the score tied at one-all. Statistically, DR Congo had 40% of the ball, 6 shots and 1 on target. Guinea, on the other hand, took 3 shots, 2 on target, while having the ball 60% of the time.
Congo accelerate, Guinea give way
In the second half, DR Congo came back with much better intentions than their opponents. The Leopards stepped up their attacks. A strategy that paid off, as the newcomer Silas, after a run-in, won a penalty. Yoane Wissa converted it (65th) to give his team the lead. The Congolese fans were ecstatic. The Guineans, in dire straits, were unable to get close to their opponents' goal. Worse still, they only had one shot on target in the first 30 minutes of the second half.In fact, it was to prove a crushing blow.Arthur Masuaku, with the love of a free-kick, scored the 3rd Congolese goal (82nd). The score remained level.
#ToutPourLaCAN 🌍 : La RDC prend le large grâce à un coup franc improbable de Masuaku 🇨🇩 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DtH24QTPvM
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) February 2, 2024
After three draws in the group phase, and a penalty shoot-out success in the Round of 16, DR Congo secured their first victory in the game at AFCON 2023. The triumph came at just the right time, as it gives the Leopards a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2015.In the semi-finals, the Congolese will face the winner of the clash between Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 03 at 17:00 GMT. In the meantime, the DRC can enjoy the "Kelolo" (celebration in Lingala, editor's note) to the rhythm of Rumba.
Earlier in the evening, Nigeria beat Angola 1-0 to also qualify for the semi-finals.
