2024-01-28 23:08:31
This Sunday evening at 9 p.m., CAN 2023 offered us a new round of 16 that was quite attractive on paper. After Guinea’s victory over Equatorial Guinea (1-0), it was Egypt’s turn to face the DRC for a place in the quarter-finals. The Pharaohs, still without Mohamed Salah who returned to Liverpool for treatment, needed to gain momentum following a very disappointing group stage. The Leopards, following three draws in group F, wanted to try to thwart the predictions. Chancel Mbemba’s teammates, well supported by the large Congolese community present at the Laurent Pokou stadium in San Pedro, started the game rather well.
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On a lightning counter-attack, winger Meschack Elia went alone on goal with no less than three teammates at his side. But completely astonishingly, he decided to attempt his strike when he had much better things to do. The Young Boys winger completely unscrewed his shot. After around twenty minutes at a strong pace, the two teams neutralized each other. It took an innocuous touch and a quick play by Arthur Masuaku to surprise the Egyptian defense. It was Yoane Wissa, not in an offside position because he was found on a sideline, who opened the scoring with a center shot (37th). We expected to see Egypt doubt in this match, but Rui Vitoria’s men have resources and have already proven it several times.
To read Egypt – DR Congo: the compositions are there
Fifth extension in a row in CAN for the Pharaohs
On a set piece, and following intervention by the VAR, the match referee whistled a penalty to penalize an elbow from the Congolese defender. Mostafa Mohamed did not tremble and tied the two teams (1-1), 45th + 1). Upon returning from the locker room, the tension rose a notch and the Egyptians began to settle into the opposing camp without managing to create chances. Sébastien Desabre’s men proceeded on the counter with Théo Bongonda who quickly left in transition as soon as he might.
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As the minutes passed, we began to talk regarding overtime in the stands. And that’s what happened since the two teams mightn’t decide between themselves following the first 90 minutes. And to add a little spice to this extra time, Egypt finished the match at 10 following the very clumsy tackle from Mohamed Hamdy who came into play at half-time. The DRC would therefore play in numerical superiority until the end of the match and, seeing the players more and more physically marked, this looked like a big advantage. But the Congolese have never been able to tell the difference, trapped by the Egyptian style. And we were therefore entitled to the first penalty shootout of this CAN. And in this series, it was ultimately the DRC which won following an interminable session. Egyptian goalkeeper Gabaski, heroic in 2021, missed his penalty. Which benefited Mpasi who transformed his. In the next round, the DRC will face Guinea.
Pub. on 01/29/2024 00:08 Updated on 01/29/2024 00:27
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