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By Martin Graham | 29th Jan 2024
In a jaw-dropping spectacle at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo etched their name into the annals of football history by toppling seven-time champions Egypt in a heart-stopping clash. The pulsating encounter ended 1-1 after extra time, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi becoming the unexpected hero as he coolly netted the 18th penalty, propelling DR Congo into the quarter-finals.
The rise of the underdogs
Ranked 67th in the world, DR Congo’s journey took a surprising turn when Meschack Elia’s header from Yoane Wissa’s cross put them ahead—a first in the tournament. However, their Cinderella moment was short-lived, with Mostafa Mohamed leveling the score from the penalty spot just before halftime, courtesy of a chaotic sequence involving Ahmed Hegazi and Dylan Batubinsika. The drama heightened when Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdy received a second yellow card, reducing them to 10 men in extra time.
Egypt’s misfortune continues
In the absence of the injured Mohamed Salah, Rui Vitoria’s squad faced another disappointment, exiting the tournament winless and echoing their penalty heartbreak from the 2021 final against Senegal. Despite Hegazi’s early missed chance and Mahmoud Hamada’s late stumbles, DR Congo emerged as worthy victors.
Mpasi’s symphony of success
The climax unfolded in a penalty shootout where the script deviated from expectations. Both teams faltered in their second attempts, and it was Lionel Mpasi who seized the moment with a precise strike into the top right corner, sealing an 8-7 triumph over Egypt’s penalty-saving specialist, Gabaski. DR Congo’s journey continues as they set their sights on Guinea in the quarter-finals, adding another chapter to the unpredictable saga of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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