AFCON 2023 ; Bizarre penalty shootout sees Pharaos Crash out of AFCON as DRC advance to last eight

Ivory Coast,

Sunday, 28 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hopes of winning their first AFCON title since 1957, remain alive after eliminating Egypt on a long penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw on Sunday night. 

Egypt could only blame themselves for their wastefulness as they failed to take advantage of a number of early chances when Ahmed Hegazy headed over the bar while striker Mostafa Mohamed sent his free kick set piece wide from a scoring position. 

Meshack Elia put DRC ahead in the 37th minute after meeting well with Yoane Wissa’s deflected cross. 

However, Egypt restored parity just before halftime as they were awarded a penalty kick resulting from a long VAR review which confirmed that Dylan Batubinsika had indeed trailed Hegazy arm. 

Mostafa Mohamed did not shy from 12 yards as he perfectly dispatched the spot-kick scoring his fourth goal for the Pharaos in the tournament.

Both teams came in more vigilant in the second half being more reselient on the Defence line and careful on attacking to avoid surprising shocks.

Seven minutes into the additional 30, the Pharaohs were reduced to 10 men when Mohamed Hamdy picked up his second yellow card for a late tackle on Simon Banza.

Considering both Egypt and DRC drew all their three group stage matches, it was not a surprise for the match heading into the Shootouts after a 1-1 draw on extra time. 

Mohamed and Arthur Masuaku traded misses for either side before both teams netted six successive spot-kicks.

Egypt Goalkeeper Gabaski then smashed against the crossbar, leading to Mpasi dramatically making himself a hero as he sent his fellow stopper the wrong way with a clinical finish.

The result means DR Congo are through to the AFCON quarter-finals where they’ll face Guinea for the first time since 2017, while Egypt are sent packing at the round-of-16 stage for the second time in three tournaments.