HT Report: DR Congo Fight Back to Keep Quarterfinal Hopes Alive at CHAN 2024

DR Congo are locked 1-1 with Morocco at halftime in a fiercely contested 2024 African Nations Championship Group A clash at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Atlas Lions wasted no time asserting themselves and stunned the lively Congolese support inside eight minutes.

RS Berkane forward Oussama Lamlioui showed his class with a composed finish, tucking the ball beyond goalkeeper Brudel Efonge after a clever build-up.

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Morocco’s crisp passing and sharp movement suggested they might seize full control of the contest.

Yet the Leopards refused to fade. Driven on by their passionate fans, DR Congo gradually gained a foothold in midfield, with Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb and Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu pressing effectively and sparking attacks.

Their persistence paid off just before the interval when Jephte Kitambala produced a moment of brilliance.

Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, he unleashed a powerful strike that ripped past Elmehdi Al Harrar in the Moroccan goal to level the score at 1-1. The roar from the Congolese end underlined the shift in momentum.

The equalizer has set the stage for a gripping second half. Morocco continue to look dangerous in transition, with Youssef Belammari and Lamlioui stretching the Congolese backline, but DR Congo’s confidence has grown after their response.

With Kenya holding Zambia elsewhere, Morocco still have a slight advantage on goal difference, yet nothing is secure with 45 minutes left to play.

DR Congo XI: Brudel Efonge Liyongo, Jacques Kapanga Mwimba, Agee Basiala Amongo, Miche Mika Miche, Jephte Kitambala Bola, Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu, Magloire Ntambwe Kalonji, Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb, Heltone Kayembe Mujanay, Lolendo Mansanga, Osee Ndombele Lutaladio

Morocco XI: Elmehdi Al Harrar, Anas Bach, Marouane Loudani, Mohamed Boulacsout, Ait Ouarkhane Khalid, Oussama Lamliloui, Bouchaib Arrassi, Youssef Belammari, Imad Riahi, Youssef Mehri, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat