Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-29 08:37:56
Seven-time champions Egypt, without star player Mohamed Salah due to injury, suffered a heartbreaking exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after losing a penalty shootout 8-7 against DR Congo. The tense last-16 clash ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi converting the winning spot-kick. Salah’s absence was felt as his team struggled to find the back of the net without him. The Liverpool star was injured in a group match and was unable to return to the tournament, as his club suggested he would only be available if Egypt made it to the final.
The match was marred by controversy, with DR Congo taking the lead with a goal that Egypt claimed should not have been allowed. However, Egypt managed to pull level with a penalty just before halftime. The second half and extra time saw limited opportunities for both sides, with strong defenses on display. Egypt was reduced to ten men after a player was sent off, and DR Congo mounted pressure in extra time, but neither team could score a winning goal.
Ultimately, DR Congo emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, setting up a clash with Guinea in the quarter-finals. Neither Egypt nor DR Congo had a successful group stage, as they both finished as runners-up with identical records.
The absence of key players due to injuries also had an impact on both teams, as Egypt missed goalkeeper Mohamed el Shenawy, and DR Congo was without playmaker Gael Kakuta. The result marks the end of the road for Egypt in the tournament, leaving DR Congo to continue their quest for the Africa Cup of Nations title.
