AFCON: Congo prevails over Egypt in a penalty shootout and advances to the quarterfinals, where they will meet Guinea
The Democratic Republic of Congo emerged victorious over Egypt in the penalty shootout (1-1, 7-8 on penalties) on Sunday, January 28. Meschack Elia had opened the scoring for the Congolese before Mostafa Mohamed equalized for the Pharaohs. In the quarter-finals, the Leopards will face Guinea.
Without Mohamed Salah, Egypt has already seen its journey come to an end in this Africa Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs were defeated in a penalty shootout against Congo in the round of 16 (1-1, 7-8 on penalties).
In a match with few goal-scoring opportunities, it was the Congolese who initially took the lead after a glaring lapse of concentration by the Egyptians. While the Pharaohs were claiming a throw-in, Masuaku quickly played the ball back into play to find Wissa in the box, who delivered a cross deflected by Hegazy, leading to Elia scoring just in front of the goal line (0-1, 38′).
The joy of Mbemba’s Marseille teammates was short-lived as FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed equalized from the penalty spot just before halftime (1-1, 45’+1) following a foul by Batubinsika on Hegazy.
The rest of the match remained tightly contested, with neither team managing to gain the upper hand. The red card for Egypt’s Hamdy (97th minute) didn’t change the course of the game, and it was the cruel penalty shootout that determined the winner.
Rodez’s goalkeeper (French second division), Lionel Mpasi, converted the final penalty after the failure of the other goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal « Gabaski, » securing victory for his team. In the quarter-finals, the Congolese will face Guinea, led by Serhou Guirassy.
