A draw that doesn't help anyone.
Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo did not manage to decide between themselves this Sunday afternoon (0-0), at the end of a match that was as committed as it was choppy.
The Atlas Lions had an (almost) perfect start to the match.
Indeed, from the 6th minute of play, on a corner on the right side hit by Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, alone at the penalty spot, fired a splendid volley with his right foot to deceive the vigilance of Lionel Mpasi-Nzau .
After this quick opening score, Walid Regragui's men controlled, monopolizing the ball and (quietly) looking for gaps.
But the Leopards remained focused.
And shortly before the break, they won a penalty after a handball from Selim Amallah in his own penalty area.
Cédric Bakambu, the Congolese center forward, took responsibility... But his shot on the ground, slightly missed, crashed into the right post of Yassine Bounou (41st).
It was therefore with a one-goal advantage that Morocco returned to the locker room.
To discover
African Cup of Nations: schedule and results
African Cup of Nations ranking
Read alsoMorocco-DR Congo: the film of the meeting
After the break, the Atlas Lions regained the ascendancy, at least for a time.
But the Leopards never gave up.
And their good mindset ended up paying off.
As we barely entered the last quarter of an hour of play, Meschak Elia, launched into space on the right side, perfectly found Silas Wamangituka at the penalty spot.
The Leopards striker struck with first intention to find the net (76th).
The end of the meeting was very competitive.
Both selections sought to make the difference.
However, the defenses took over the attacks.
Fiston Mayele came close to giving his national team victory at the end of regulation time, but his powerful left-footed strike was superbly repelled by Yassine Bounou (90th).
The match ended with a draw (1-1).
With this result, Morocco remains (provisionally) first in group F and will have to “validate” its qualification against Zambia.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is currently second and will have to get its ticket for the round of 16 against Tanzania.