DR Congo Stuns Seven-Time Champion Egypt in Africa Cup of Nations Exit, Securing a Dramatic 8-7 Penalty Shootout Victory Following a 1-1 Draw in Extra Time.
In a tense round-of-16 match in San-Pedro, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi clinched the decisive spot-kick victory for DR Congo, as Mohamed Abou Gabal’s attempt had struck the bar and sailed over. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Meschack Elia scoring for DR Congo in the 37th minute and Mostafa Mohamed equalizing from a penalty in first-half added time.
Liverpool’s star Salah had sustained an injury during a group match against Ghana and had returned to his club. Liverpool had stated that he would likely only be able to rejoin the tournament if Egypt advanced to the final.
Notable absentees due to injuries were Egyptian Mohamed El Shenawy, highly regarded as the best Africa-based goalkeeper, and DR Congo’s playmaker Gael Kakuta.
In a cagey first half, Egypt controlled the possession until DR Congo took the lead with a disputed goal by Elia. The goal came after Egypt disputed a throw-in, and while the North Africans protested, Yoane Wissa crossed the ball for Elia to head it into the net at the far post.
A VAR review confirmed the goal, and the off-field officials were also involved in the Egyptian equalizer a minute into added time. Initially, the South African referee overlooked an elbow by Dylan Batubinsika on Egypt captain Ahmed Hegazy’s face but awarded a penalty after reviewing the incident on the monitor.
Mostafa Mohamed maintained his goal-per-game record in the Ivory Coast by sending Mpasi the wrong way, blasting the spot-kick into the roof of the net.
Despite Mohamed Hamdy’s red card leaving Egypt a man short, DR Congo applied relentless pressure during extra time, yet failed to secure a winning goal.
