Atlas Lions forced to a shocking draw by DR Congo

Ivory Coast, 

Sunday, 21 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Morocco were held to a 1-1 battled draw by DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The Atlas Lions came from a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Tanzania on Wednesday while DRC were hekd 1-1 by Zambia. 

Morocco started on a high as Youssef En-Nesyri's early header was forced to a corner perfectly delivered by Hakim Ziyech and volleyed in expertly by Achraf Hakimi with only seven minutes on the clock.

The goal seemed to shock Congo who quickly responded with frequent attacks earning a penalty after a VAR check confirmed that Selim Amallah had handed the ball at a corner. 

From 12 yards, Cedric Bakambu crashed the ball against the base of the post and apologized to the fans and fellow team mates for wasting the spot Kick. 

French head coach Sebastien Desabre made tactical changes introductions Silas, Elia and Fiston Mayele.

DR Congo were much the better side after the interval and deservedly secured a share of the spoils with 13 minutes to go, when Stuttgart striker Silas coolly side-footed a Meschak Elia pass through the legs of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

A point was the least that the Leopards deserved after an impressive second-half display that saw them spurred on by a succession of smart attacking. 

The draw keeps Leopard's hopes of qualifying for the last-16 very much alive ahead of their final group assignment against Tanzania on Wednesday evening.

Similarly the draw contained Morocco from sealing their spot in the knockout stages and will need to ensure a positive result against Zambia to ensure that they are able to progress as expected as Group F winners.