The DR Congo have twice won the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations. On each occasion, they have beaten the host country in a classification match. In 1998, it was after an unimaginable feat. One of soccer's wildest scenarios.
The day the Simbas beat the Etalons in 4 minutes
If Ivorian fans see this statistic, they'll certainly be keeping their fingers crossed that the Elephants don't cross paths with the Leopards at the AFCON 2023 that their country is hosting. Like Cameroon, DR Congo know how to make hosts cry. In 1968 and 1974, when they were crowned champions on both occasions, the Congolese eliminated Ethiopia and Egypt in the semi-finals, when they hosted the soccer continent. In 1998 and 2015, the DRC also beat hosts Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea to claim the bronze medal. The bronze medal won in Ouagadougou has gone down in the annals of the tournament. Indeed, it was one of the greatest feats in the history of major international competitions.
3-0 at the hour mark
Trailing 4-1 with four minutes to go, the Congolese equalized and finally won on penalties in front of a stunned crowd at Ouagadougou's August 4th stadium. It was a major disappointment for the Etalons. The country hosting the competition for the first time was within five minutes of its first podium finish. Thanks to Alassane Ouedraogo (6th), Oumar Barro (51st) and Sidi Napon (56th), the Burkinabe were leading 3-0 at the hour mark of this match for 3rd place. Even when Mungongo reduced the score (3-1) in the 76th minute for the DRC, Ibrahim Tallé left no room for doubt. He scored the 4-1 winner in the 86th minute. The stadium was on fire.Nothing seemed to be able to stop his valiant stallions.Except that the Simbas (now the Leopards), hitherto in hibernation in the suffocating heat of Ouagadougou, woke up.They pulled off one of the greatest Remontadas of the AFCON.
Trailing 4-1 with 4 minutes to go, the DRC wins
Banza Kasongo scored the 4-2 winner in the 88th minute. For all observers, it was just a goal to save their honor.It was more than a last-ditch effort. It sounded the revolt. One minute later, Jerry Tondelua had the whole stadium shaking, bringing the Leopards back to 3-4. The Burkinabe were stunned. They collapsed under the weight of the pressure, conceding an equaliser in added time.4-4 end of regulation time. Back from nowhere and buoyed by their incredible strength, the DR Congo took the game to penalties.The first four shooters all score, while Burkina Faso's Seydou Traoré, who was the first to go off, misses. Magan Diabaté, the 3rd shooter, also misses. And that was that. The DRC pulls off a monumental hold-up in the land of men of integrity.
