The Sunday Mail
Democratic Republic of Congo came back from a two-goal deficit to book their place in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Finals with a 4-2 win over Congo yesterday.
The opening half was a drab affair that featured some stern defending from both sides, but that soon changed after the interval. The game shifted gears after the break as both sides looked more positive in their approach. The first big chance for DR Congo arrived in the 53rd minute when Bokila hit the underside of the crossbar with a venomous effort on goal. The first goal finally arrived in the 55th minute as Congo took the lead. Ndinga floated in a free kick and Ferebory Dore was there to poke home from close range and give his side the lead.
Congo were two goals clear in the 62nd minute. Poor defending from DR Congo gave Dore the ball and his strike was parried by Kidiaba, but only as far as Thievy Bifouma who blasted home for a 2-0 lead.
However, the Leopards were back in the game three minutes later as they pulled a goal back. Bolasie marauded down the left flank before cutting it back for Mbokani to finish from only a couple of yards out.
DR Congo were fizzing after their goal and found an equaliser in the 75th minute. Loteteka Bokila’s initial shot on goal was pushed away by Mafoumbi, but DRC kept possession and Bokila scored on his second attempt. The goals kept coming in the 81st minute as DR Congo took the lead for the first time. Substitute Kimwaki kicked a free kick into the bottom corner of the Congolese goal mouth to make it 3-2 in the Leopards’ favour. The floodgates were still open as the game drew to a close and DRC took full advantage as they secured the victory with a fourth goal in the 90th minute. Mbokani wriggled his way through the defence before shooting straight at Mafoubi, but the rebound fell kindly and the former Anderlecht striker didn’t miss out on the second chance. — soccerladuma
The second quarter-final match between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia was to be played late last night.
