By Daniel Mfoniso
The Leopards came from a goal down to beat Guinea 3-1 in the second quarter-final match to book a place in the semifinals of the on-going African Cup of Nations at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Abidjan.
DR Congo faced Guinea for the fourth time at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the previous three encounters all coming in the group stages (one win each and a draw). In the last meeting in the 2004 group stage, the Sylli National came from behind to win 2-1.
The game got a frantic start with the Sylli National on the front foot when Mohamed Bayo put Guinea ahead with a 20th-minute penalty after the forward was fouled by Chancel Mbemba.
However, Chancel Mbemba, redeemed himself seven minutes later as he fired in from a narrow angle for an equalizer after DR Congo corner found him unmarked at the far end of the box, to bring the leopards back to live before the cooling break. But the both teams were more conscious of their game play after the water break thereby dropping the high tempo of the game till the half time.
The second half was a much slower affair being broken up by constant fouls and substitutions. But the leopards consistently looked more threatening and they took the lead through the games second penalty when substitute Mvumpa was tripped in the box on which Wissa converted to give the Congolese the lead.
Although, the West Africans had little in response after going behind and the result was sealed when Arthur Masuaku’s free-kick from wide on the left caught out Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post.
Therefore, Sebastien Desabre’s side will face the winners of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast in the last four on Wednesday.
