By Michael Madyira
DR Congo stormed into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals following a 3-1 victory over Guinea at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Friday.
Captain Chancel Mbemba thrust the Congolese ahead after 27 minutes before Yoane Wissa converted from the penalty spot in the 65th minute and then Arthur Masuaku’s goal with eight minutes remaining.
The West Africans had gone ahead through Mohamed Bayo in the 20th minute but allowed their opponents to launch a successful comeback.
Interestingly, DR Congo had gone into this match against the backdrop of drawing all their games at this Afcon, including a 1-1 Round of 16 share of spoils with Egypt before prevailing through a penalty shootout.
But this time around, they managed to settle matters within 90 minutes and, impressively, had to come from behind to claim victory.
DR Congo will now wait for the winner between hosts Ivory Coast and Mali to learn their semi-final opponents.
Guinea had first earned a penalty after Bayo was fouled by Mbemba and the Mali forward stepped up for his third goal of the tournament.
The Leopards perfectly responded through Mbamba to make it one apiece and the two teams were back on square one.
It was now DR Congo’s time to benefit from the penalty spot when Julian Janvier was brought down inside the box by Silas Mvumpa.
Up-stepped Brentford man Wissa to strike from the spot and hand DR Congo the lead.
Masuaku killed the match as a contest when his freekick beat Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone on the near post.
The result saw Sebastien Desabre’s men stay on course for a first Afcon title since 1974 while Guinea’s bid for a first continental title went up in smoke.
Pictured above: Mali’ Aguibou Camara fights for the ball against DR Congo’s Samuel Motoussamy.
Image source: CAF
