Mohamed Salah’s hopes of a triumphant return to the Africa Cup of Nations were dashed as Egypt suffered a dramatic penalty shootout defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The record seven-time champions were eliminated after a 1-1 draw in the last-16 tie that extended to extra time and concluded with DR Congo winning 8-7 on penalties.
Meschack Elia gave DR Congo the lead in the 37th minute, answered by Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty for Egypt just before half-time. Despite a red card for Mohamed Hamdy in extra time, Egypt forced a penalty shootout, reminiscent of their fate in the 2021 Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
Egypt’s Mohamed missed a crucial penalty kick, but DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku failed to capitalize. In a tense shootout, Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal, known as Gabaski, missed a penalty, allowing DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi to secure their quarter-final berth.
The defeat is a bitter disappointment for Egypt, who had aspirations of winning their first Cup of Nations since 2010. Salah’s absence, due to a hamstring injury, added to their challenges, and his dream of winning the title with Egypt remains deferred.
On the other hand, DR Congo celebrated their first knockout victory in the tournament since reaching the semi-finals in 2015. They now face Guinea in the quarter-finals.
In another thrilling match, Guinea made history by winning their first-ever Cup of Nations knockout tie, beating Equatorial Guinea 1-0. Mohamed Bayo’s late winner in the eighth minute of injury time secured Guinea’s spot in the quarter-finals.
The historic victory prompted emotional scenes, with Guinea coach Kaba Diawara expressing the significance of the achievement. However, he called for calm among supporters in the wake of reported incidents following Guinea’s win over Gambia in the group stage.
The quarter-finals will continue with hosts Ivory Coast facing reigning champions Senegal and Cape Verde taking on Mauritania.
Reported By AFP.
