It is an inert and embalmed body of the Pharaohs that we found in the Laurent Poku stadium in San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, at the end of the round of 16 match of the Can Côte d’Ivoire 2023, disputed on Sunday January 28. In the dock, the Leopards of the DRC led by the goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi of a great day during the fateful shootout session, (8-7, after 1-1 in regulation time and in overtime).
The Congolese repeated the feat after 50 years, eliminating the Egyptians at home in a Can like in 1974, during the semi-final, 3-2 with a typical team composed of goalkeeper Robert Kazadi, Axials, Florian Lobilo, Raymond Tshimenu (the only Congolese African golden ball), full-backs, Albert Mukombo and Mwepu Ilunga; midfielders: Jean Mana, Ricky Mavuba, Raoul-Albert Kidumu, Matantu; attackers, Adelard Mayanga, Emmanuel Kakoko, Pierre Ndaye Mulamba.
Sébastien Desabre’s very determined foals opened the scoring in the 37th minute thanks to Meschak Elia after a cross from Brentford member (D1 England), Yoane Wissa from left to right.
The most successful team in the competition with 7 trophies, set the record straight from the penalty spot through their scorer Mohamed Mostafa, in the 45th minute, thus scoring their 4th achievement.
DRC-GUINEA IN 1/4
The two opposing forces fought hard until the second half without finding the fault. Time for overtime. Same refrain as during regulation time, the two times 15 minutes changed nothing in the scoreboard.
Only the penalty shootout stage should divide the two teams.
At the end, 8-7 for the teammates of the captain, Chancel Mbemba, to the great joy of the Congolese people in a meeting rich in emotion.
In the quarter-finals, the DRC will face Guinea on Friday February 2. The last time the Congolese beasts reached the quarter-finals was in 2017 under Ibenge. The Leopards of the DRC lost 2-1 against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Nesta Stones