AFCON: DR Congo Beat Egypt On Penalties, Qualify For Last-16

By: Gyang Dakwo

Democratic Republic of Congo claimed an epic 8-7 victory over Egypt following a tense 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash in San Pedro on Sunday.

Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal missed his penalty in the shootout as he clipped the crossbar with his effort and then opposite number Lionel Mpasi scored against him as record seven-times winners Egypt bowed out at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.

The win sparked jubilation for the Congolese, who now play Guinea in the quarter-finals in Abidjan on Friday.

Meschack Elia gave DR Congo the lead in the game when he headed in virtually on the goal-line, but the advantage lasted nine minutes before Mostafa Mohamed scored his fourth goal of the tournament from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.

Egypt midfielder Mohamed Hamdy received a red card in extra time, after which The Pharaohs, without injured talisman Mohamed Salah, stopped attacking and held on as the game went to a shootout.

The last time DR Congo beat Egypt in a Cup of Nations clash was in the semi-finals 50 years ago when they went on to lift the trophy.