CAN 2024: DRC hold off Morocco (1-1)
Morocco and the DRC left on a draw (1-1), this Sunday, January 21 at the Laurent Pokou stadium in San Pedro. If the Atlas Lions opened the score very quickly thanks to Achraf Hakimi, the DRC picked up the score at the end of the second half with a goal from Silas Katompa Mvumpa.
Unlike the previous match against Tanzania, Morocco did not have to wait very long to open hostilities. Paris’ Achraf Hakimi, alone in scoring, took advantage of a corner shot by Hakim Ziyech to score a right (6th). The former Madrid native scored his first goal in the competition, having been a decisive setter against Tanzania. Just before, Youssef En-Nesyri had forced the Congolese goalkeeper to make a dantesque parade, after a powerful head of the FC Sevilla player (2nd).
If the DRC had secured a significant number of chances against Zambia, it was another set of events against the Atlas Lions. It was not until the 33rd minute that the Leopards missed a great opportunity: a corner from Kakuta was deflected by Selim Amallah and went over Chancel Mbemba, placed at the second post. The Marseille player, surprised, cannot push the ball.
The DRC could have picked up the score thanks to a penalty obtained after a hand of Selim Amallah in the box. But Cédric Bakambu misses his duel against Yassine Bounou by crossing too much his strike which touches the left post (41′).
The saving equalizer finally arrived at the 77th minute and the Laurent Pokou stadium shivered. Elia Meschack centres for Silas Katompa Mvumpa, elected man of the match, who hits flat on the foot to beat Yassine Bounou, completely disappointed. In the wake of the equalizer, the DRC is on track to double the bet after a centre back from Elia Meschack. Samuel Moutoussamy does not materialize (79′).
