The Democratic Republic of Congo has eliminated Egypt from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 tournament by winning 8-7 on penalties in the round of 16 at Stade Laurent Pokou.
The match was intense and went on for 120 minutes of mouthwatering contest.
Sebastien Desabre’s team will face Guinea in the next round after Guinea eliminated Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals.
Meschack Elia scored in the 37th minute, giving DR Congo the lead with a header from the six-yard box. The Pharaohs responded to Les Léopards ‘s lead in the first half.
Egypt was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and attacker Mostafa Mohamed converted it into the top right corner, beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
Although the seven-time champions dominated the second half, they were unable to break through the resilient Les Léopards defence. The match eventually went into extra time, marking the first time in the tournament in Côte D’Ivoire.
The game travelled to a shootout, and Egypt missed twice from the penalty spot. Mostafa Mohamed and goalkeeper Gabaski both missed their kicks, while Arthur Masuaku missed his earlier for Les Léopards.
DR Congo has advanced to the quarter-finals after winning 8-7 on penalties. Egypt has attempted to advance from the last 16 three times in the past but has failed to do so twice. D.R. Congo has been eliminated in their first knockout game in their two previous appearances in 2019 and 2017.
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