We didn't expect them to be at this level.
After Nigeria qualified earlier in the evening, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the first surprise guest in the final four of the African Cup of Nations.
Trailing, the Congolese were able to reverse the situation to win (3-1) this Friday at the expense of Guinea in the quarter-final.
It's only the... first victory for Sébastien Desabre's men in the competition!
After 3 draws (1-1 against Zambia and Morocco then 0-0 against Tanzania) during the group phase, they won after an interminable penalty shootout (8-7 ) during the round of 16 against Egypt (1-1 ap).
Next Wednesday, the Leopards will not start as favorites in the semi-final against the winner of the Ivory Coast - Mali match which will be played this Saturday.
The reaction of the Congolese substitutes to the penalty obtained 🇨🇩#beINCAN2023 #beINEXPERIENCE #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/BFY2mVWaEz
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) February 2, 2024
From the start, the Guinean Guilavogui was very close to opening the score but his attempt was diverted by Mpasi for a corner.
Immediately, the Congolese responded with Yoane Wissa.
The Ile-de-France striker, who played through Épinay-sous-Sénart and Linas-Montlhéry, took advantage of a misunderstanding between Diakhaby and Koné to hit the post (3rd).
On a new Guinean action, Marseille defender Mbemba pushes Le Havre Bayo in the back.
The former Clermont and Lille striker benefits from a penalty which he himself transforms into force (0-1, 17th).
A short-lived lead since Mbemba takes revenge by equalizing with a heavy shot which hits the inside of the post before ending up in the back of the net (1-1, 27th).
Returning from the locker room, DR Congo takes the game into its own hands.
A free kick 20m from Wissa slightly deflected by the Guinean wall almost deceives Koné (48th).
Coming into play in place of Elia, former Paris FC goleador Silas Katompa Mvumpa benefits from a penalty after an involuntary foul by Jeanvier in the area.
Full of composure, Wissa transforms the penalty to the right of Koné (2-1, 65th).
The Congolese added to the tally at the end of the match following an off-center free kick on the left side from Masuaku which surprised and lobbed the opposing goalkeeper (3-1, 82nd).
🇨🇩 The roar of the Leopards, qualified for the last four of the CAN 🐆 #beINCAN2023 #beINEXPERIENCE #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Bh4JG3sMrk
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) February 2, 2024
The Leopards can savor this qualification for the CAN semi-finals.
Double winners in 1968 and 1974, they are now two steps away from a third trophy.
Sébastien Desabre, the DRC selection could savor on the microphone of beIN Sports: “Even being down 1-0, we are so united, there is so much strength in this team and quality... The boys are rewarded .
We have a victory at the right time.
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