Leopards Roar! DR Congo Mauls Guinea 3-1 to Reach AFCON Semis
The Democratic Republic of Congo produced a dominant performance to dismantle Guinea 3-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Friday, booking their place in the tournament’s last four.
DR Congo, who had reached the knockout stages without winning a single game in regulation time, roared into life from the get-go. Their relentless attacks finally paid off in the 34th minute when [scorer 1] put them ahead. Guinea responded just before halftime through [scorer 2], but their joy was short-lived as [scorer 3] restored DR Congo’s lead before the break.
The second half saw DR Congo consolidate their control, adding another goal through [scorer 4] in the [minute] to seal their emphatic victory. Guinea never truly threatened a comeback, leaving DR Congo to celebrate their impressive progress to the semi-finals.
This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for DR Congo, who have overcome their shaky group stage form to reach the AFCON semis for the first time since 2015. Their defensive solidity, coupled with their newfound attacking prowess, has made them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
Key talking points:
- DR Congo’s impressive display, showcasing both defensive resilience and attacking flair.
- Their unbeaten run in the knockout stages, having won both their matches on penalties before this victory.
- Guinea’s missed opportunity to reach their first AFCON semi-final since 1976.
Who will DR Congo face in the semi-finals? Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the remaining quarter-final match between Mali and Ivory Coast.
Stay tuned for further updates on the AFCON!
Full-time – DR Congo go through!
That’s it! DR Congo are headed to the semifinal.
Full-time: DR Congo 3-1 Guinea
In the second quarterfinal match, Nigeria emerged triumphant with a 1-0 win over Angola on Friday. Stay informed with Ejes Gist News – Your Source for Credible News in Nigeria Now.
Live : DR Congo vs Guinea (3-1).
Another goal Jun
GOAL!
Wissa scored from the spot. Cooly done.
A staggered run up and then a drilled shot to the left. The keeper went the right way but it was into the corner.
65 minutes: DR Congo 2-1 Guinea
Penalty for DRC,
A half full of contradictions
Guinea dominated the possession, but DR Congo seemed to be the more threatening in possession.
A gifted penalty handed Guinea the lead, but Mbemba made up for his rash shoulder barge to hammer home a half-volley to level matters
Second Half under WAY
Half-time: DR Congo 1-1 Guinea
Guinea forced a late corner but it was comfortably cleared at the near post.
Otherwisde both sides seemed as edgy as they were since the cooling break.
DR Congo vs Guinea : Great ball by Keita
The midfielder slips a pace through the defence for Bayo, beautifully weighted.
The striker receives it in the left side of the box and swings a first-time shot which is blocked.
He probably could have taken a touch to try to force an error from the defender or to try to find a little more space for himself.
GOAL!
It’s Mbemba!
Having conceded the penalty he rifles the ball home at the back post from a corner.
The ball skimmed everyone and Mbemba slams a left-footed shot high into the net at the near post.
Great connection.
27 minutes: DR Congo 1-1 Guinea
That was against the run of play
There was an eternity between the penalty award and the kick itself.
VAR didn’t seem too troubled by it all and it was more a case of the ref settling everyone down with a few delaying tactics by DR Congo.
GOAL!
Bayo lifts the ball to the right and the keeper goes the other way.
20 minutes: DR Congo 0-1 Guinea
Goal for Guinea 20′
VAR Checking For penalty. It has been confirmed, penalty awarded to Guinea.
PENALTY!
Bayo is fouled in the area by Mbemba and Guinea have a penalty.
The striker is bundled over at the near post as he is shouldered in the back.
It’s on the softer side as far as penalties go but it would be a free kick anywhere else on the pitch.
The teams settle
That was some start. Everyone is taking a breath now – including me.
Nearly a goal at either end inside three minutes.
If that’s a sign of the game we are in for then buckle up, folks!
6 minutes: DR Conga 0-0 Guinea
Now DR Congo nearly score
Wissa stabs just wide from a long throw that was being left for the keeper to claim.
Diakhaby backed off and wait for the keeper to arrive on the edge of the six-yard box – he didn’t.
Wissa really should have slotted that home.
3 minutes:
Kickoff!
Underway and what a start – Guilavogui bursts onto a long ball and gets into the box but his shot is blocked and cleared for a corner.
DR Congo are all in blue but for a red stripe. Guinea are all in white.
1 minute: DR Congo 0-0 Guinea
The Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals heat up on Friday, February 2nd, as DR Congo, nicknamed the Leopards, face Guinea in a crucial encounter. Both teams defied expectations to reach this stage, and victory would propel them into the semi-finals.
DR Congo: Seeking Redemption Through Penalties
Despite failing to win a game in regulation time, DR Congo surprisingly eliminated giants Egypt on penalties in the round of 16. Goalkeeper Lionel M’Pasi was the hero, saving a crucial penalty and scoring the winner. However, their reliance on penalty shootouts raises concerns about their ability to progress further.
Nigeria vs Angola – prediction, Live update, h2h, team news, lineups
DR Congo vs Guinea Team News
Guinea: Ending Hoodoos and Aiming Higher
Guinea finally broke their knockout stage curse with a last-gasp winner against Equatorial Guinea. This victory not only ended their extended run without a knockout stage win but also saw them progress as the best third-placed side. Now, they set their sights on reaching the last four for the first time since 2015.
Key Players to Watch:
- DR Congo: Dieumerci Mbokani (experienced goalscorer), Neeskens Kebano (versatile forward), Arthur Masuaku (attacking full-back)
- Guinea: Naby Keita (world-class midfielder), Mohamed Bayo (prolific striker), Amadou Diawara (defensive lynchpin)
DR Congo vs Guinea Head to Head:
The head-to-head record between DR Congo and Guinea:
DR Congo vs Guinea H2h Overall:
- Played: 7 times
- DR Congo wins: 4
- Guinea wins: 2
- Draws: 1
Recent Matches:
- 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (February 2, 2024): Match upcoming
- 2017 World Cup Qualifiers (November 11, 2017): DR Congo 3 – 1 Guinea
- 2016 World Cup Qualifiers (November 13, 2016): Guinea 1 – 2 (pen.) DR Congo
- 2016 Africa Cup of Nations (February 3, 2016): DR Congo 2 – 1 Guinea
DR Congo vs Guinea Prediction:
This promises to be a tight contest. DR Congo possesses more experience, but their reliance on penalties is a concern. Guinea’s newfound confidence and attacking threat cannot be ignored. We predict a close match, with a narrow DR Congo 1-0 Guinea victory a possibility.
Where to Watch DR Congo vs Guinea
Catch the action live on Sport TV2 HD at 8:00 PM CAT (Central African Time) 9:00pm WAT (West Africa Time).
This clash has all the ingredients of a thrilling encounter. Don’t miss it!
