AFCON 2024: DRC formidable against Guinea, secures a spot in the semi-finals
Nine years later, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) finds itself back in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. In Abidjan, the Leopards initially trailed against Guinea before bouncing back to claim victory (3-1) on Friday, February 2. The Congolese now await the winner between Ivory Coast and Mali in the next round.
As Sébastien Desabre had mentioned on Thursday during the press conference, on the eve of the 2024 AFCON quarter-final, the DRC national team, under his guidance for a year and a half, demonstrated composure and organization. Egypt, in the round of 16, felt the impact of this. This Friday in Abidjan, it was Guinea’s turn to witness the progress made by the Leopards, who logically secured a spot in the semi-finals of the AFCON with their well-deserved victory (3-1).
This evenly balanced quarter-final shifted decisively around the hour mark, and this time for good. Facinet Conte, just introduced for Guinea, was sent through on goal, skillfully chipping the Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but couldn’t retrieve the ball. In the follow-up, Silas Katompa, also brought into the fray by Sébastien Desabre a few moments earlier, sprinted down the right side before being illegally brought down in the box by Julian Jeanvier. A clear penalty, calmly converted into a goal by Yoane Wissa (65th minute).
The introduction of Serhou Guirassy for the National Elephants did not alter the course of the match. The DR Congo’s increasing dominance was undeniable against a physically fatigued Guinea. The suspense faded away in the 82nd minute when Arthur Masuaku, despite being on the left flank, struck a direct free-kick, beating Koné for the final time.
The journey ends here for Guinea, while for the first time since the 2015 edition, DR Congo finds themselves in the last four of the AFCON. The Desabre method and the Leopards’ group are in harmony, and the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Mali and Ivory Coast will know what to expect.
