DR Congo claimed an 8-7 penalty shootout victory over Egypt in Sunday night’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash after the game ended 1-1 in extra time.
The Leopards and Pharaohs both finished second in Groups B and F respectively but it was the later that started on the front foot in San Pedro when Meschak Elia headed in from close range in the 37th minute.
Egypt were able to level matters in added time of the first half as Dylan Batubinsika was adjudged to havd handled the ball in a duel with Mohamed Hegazy in the box. Mostafa Mohamed stepped up to convert his fourth goal in his fourth straight match in the tournament.
Nothing was able to separate both sides in the second half and off to extra time it went where Egypt were reduced to 10 men after Mohamed Hamdi received his second booking of the night. The Pharaohs remained resolute despite the numerical disadvantage and forced a penalty shootout.
FULL TIME⏱️
DR Congo???????? through to the QUARTER FINALS after beating Egypt???????? in an intense penalty shoot out.#Afrosport #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #EGYDRC pic.twitter.com/cPWUj5d02B
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) January 28, 2024
Both sides missed their second spot kicks via Mostafa Mohamed and Arthur Masuaku and remained level at that point before going into sudden death where the Egyptians blinked with goalkeeper Gabaski missing. It left Lionel Mpasi-Nzau to net the winner which he duly converted.
DR Congo will get to face Guinea in the quarter-finals.
