DR Congo Triumphs Over Egypt in a nerve-shredding AFCON Encounter
Match Stats
 Egypt 1 |
AFCON 2023 Round 16 |
 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Penalties
|
8 |
|
Mostafa Mohammed 45+1'
|
M. Elia 37' | |
| Hamdi Fathi 58' | D. Batubinsika 45' | |
| M. Hamdi Sharaf 66' | Theo ongonda 102' | |
| Marwan Attia 80' | Chancel Mbemba 115' | |
| M. Hamdi Sharaf 97' |
| 10 | Shots | 12 |
| 3 | Shots on target | 1 |
| 58% | Possession | 42% |
| 533 | Passes | 378 |
| 82% | Pass accuracy | 87% |
| 19 2 |
Fouls Yellow Cards |
22 3 |
| 1 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 2 | Offsides | 0 |
| 2 | Corners | 4 |
Match Overview
In thrilling encounter, DR Congo emerged victorious over seven-time champions Egypt in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with DR Congo winning 8-7 in a penalty shootout.
Key Moments
DR Congo took the lead for the first time in the tournament when Meschack Elia nodded in Yoane Wissa's cross.
However, their lead was short-lived as Mostafa Mohamed equalized for Egypt with a penalty just before half-time.
The penalty was awarded after Ahmed Hegazi was caught by a flailing arm from Dylan Batubinsika.
Turning Point
The match took a dramatic turn when Egypt's left-back Mohamed Hamdy was shown a second yellow card seven minutes into extra time for a mistimed lunge on Simon Banza.
This left Egypt with 10 men for the rest of the game.
Penalty Shootout
The tension reached its peak during the penalty shootout.
After Pharaohs' keeper Gabaski clipped the top of the crossbar in the ninth round, DR Congo's goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi stepped up to secure the win 8-7 on penalties.
Player Performances
Despite only playing 91 minutes in the group stage, Egypt's Marwan Attia started more sequences that ended with a shot than any other player.
On the other hand, DR Congo's Chancel Mbemba made the most ball carries, carried the ball the furthest distance, and progressed the ball the furthest upfield of any player in the group stages.
Injuries and Suspensions
Egypt's star player, Mohamed Salah, was notably absent from the match due to a hamstring injury.
This was a significant blow to the team, as Salah is a key contributor to Egypt's offensive play.
Upcoming Matches
Following their victory, DR Congo will face Guinea in the quarter-finals at Abidjan's Alassane Ouattara Stadium¹. This match is set to be an exciting encounter, as both teams have shown great promise in the tournament so far.
Conclusion
The match was a thrilling encounter, filled with dramatic moments and intense gameplay. Despite the setback of losing a player to a red card, Egypt put up a strong fight.
However, DR Congo's resilience and determination saw them through to the quarter-finals. This match was a testament to the unpredictable and exciting nature of football, particularly in a prestigious tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations.
Pharaohs and Leopards Clash: A Historic Rivalry Revisited
The Storied Past
The football rivalry between Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has a rich history, especially in the context of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The two teams have faced each other 12 times, with Egypt winning 8 matches, DR Congo winning 1, and 3 matches ending in a draw. Egypt has scored 25 goals in these encounters, while DR Congo has netted 12.
Memorable Matches
Several matches stand out in this head-to-head record. In the 1970 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt narrowly defeated DR Congo with a 1-0 victory.
However, DR Congo turned the tables in the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 win. The teams also faced off in friendly matches, with a notable 6-3 victory for Egypt in 2010.
Recent Encounters
In recent years, the teams have continued their rivalry. In the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt secured a 2-0 win against DR Congo.
Their latest encounter was in the round of 16 of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Current Form
Ahead of their latest encounter, both teams had shown promising form. Egypt had a strong run, with a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde, Ghana, and Mozambique, and a 2-0 victory over Tanzania.
On the other hand, DR Congo had a mixed performance, with a 0-0 draw against Tanzania, a 1-1 draw against Morocco and Zambia, and a 0-1 loss to South Africa.
The Road Ahead
As the teams continue their journey in the Africa Cup of Nations, the rivalry between Egypt and DR Congo promises more thrilling encounters. With their storied past and current form, football fans can look forward to exciting matches and memorable moments.
