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By Martin Graham | Twenty ninth Jan 2024
In a jaw-dropping spectacle at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo etched their title into the annals of football historic previous by toppling seven-time champions Egypt in a heart-stopping clash. The pulsating bump into ended 1-1 after previous long-established time, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi becoming the unexpected hero as he coolly netted the 18th penalty, propelling DR Congo into the quarter-finals.
The upward thrust of the underdogs
Ranked 67th in the realm, DR Congo’s proceed took a surprising turn when Meschack Elia’s header from Yoane Wissa’s spoiled build them ahead—a first in the tournament. Alternatively, their Cinderella 2d used to be speedy-lived, with Mostafa Mohamed leveling the rating from the penalty state excellent earlier than halftime, courtesy of a chaotic sequence involving Ahmed Hegazi and Dylan Batubinsika. The drama heightened when Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdy bought a 2d yellow card, reducing them to 10 males in previous long-established time.
Egypt’s wretchedness continues
In the absence of the injured Mohamed Salah, Rui Vitoria’s squad faced one other disappointment, exiting the tournament winless and echoing their penalty heartbreak from the 2021 final against Senegal. No matter Hegazi’s early ignored likelihood and Mahmoud Hamada’s late stumbles, DR Congo emerged as mighty victors.
Mpasi’s symphony of success
The climax unfolded in a penalty shootout the attach the script deviated from expectations. Both groups faltered in their 2d attempts, and it used to be Lionel Mpasi who seized the 2d with a sincere strike into the finish accurate nook, sealing an 8-7 triumph over Egypt’s penalty-saving specialist, Gabaski. DR Congo’s proceed continues as they situation their sights on Guinea in the quarter-finals, adding one other chapter to the unpredictable saga of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
