DR Congo Stages Comeback from A Goal Down to Storm AFCON Semis

DR Congo staged a comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Guinea, earning a spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The scoring started with Mohamed Bayo putting Guinea in the lead with a 20th-minute penalty after a foul by Chancel Mbemba. However, Mbemba quickly redeemed himself, equalizing seven minutes later with a narrow-angle shot.

In the second half, DR Congo earned a penalty of their own when Julian Jeanvier fouled Silas. Brentford forward Yoane Wissa converted the penalty, giving the Leopards a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes remaining. The victory was sealed when Arthur Masuaku’s free-kick from the left caught Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone off guard at his near post.

Having drawn all four previous games and defeated Egypt on penalties in the last 16, DR Congo, under Sebastien Desabre’s management, now prepares for their first semi-final since finishing third in 2015. They will face the winners of the quarter-final between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast on Wednesday.

Guinea had early appeals for a penalty turned down, and controversy surrounded the awarded penalty to Bayo after a collision with Mbemba. Despite Congolese protests and no VAR intervention, Bayo converted the spot-kick. Mbemba’s subsequent equalizer set the stage for DR Congo’s comeback.

Despite Guinea’s efforts, including a missed chance by Facinet Conte and a late attempt by Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy off the bench, DR Congo’s lead remained intact. Masuaku’s late free-kick secured their path to the semi-finals, leaving Guinea to reflect on their first appearance in the quarter-finals since 2015.

Reported By BBC Sports