AFCON: DR Congo knock out Egypt in thrilling penalty shootout

AFCON: DR Congo knock out Egypt in thrilling penalty shootout

The Democratic Republic of Congo ended the dream of the Pharaohs of Egypt of qualifying for the quarterfinals in the ongoing African Cup of Nations, with 8-7 score line decided on Sunday night via a penalty shootout.

The DRC were the first to score through a strike by Elia Meschack but the Pharaohs equalised in the 46th minute through a penalty kick by Mostafa Mohamed. The regular time of the match ended 1-1.

In the penalty shootout after the regulation time, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal missed his penalty, making the Congo DR to claim an epic 8-7 victory.

Seven-time winners Egypt bowed out at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, sparking jubilations for the Congolese, who will play Guinea in the quarterfinals in Abidjan on Friday, reports Reuters.

Meschack Elia gave Congo DR the lead in the game when he headed in virtually on the goal line, but the advantage lasted nine minutes before Mostafa Mohamed scored his fourth goal of the tournament from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Egypt midfielder Mohamed Hamdy received a red card in extra time, after which The Pharaohs, without injured talisman Mohamed Salah, stopped attacking and held on as the game went to a shootout.

The last time Congo DR beat Egypt in a Cup of Nations clash was in the semifinals 50 years ago when they went on to lift the trophy.