Congo Hold Teranga Lions To A Goalless Draw

The Congo national football team on Friday held the Teranga Lions of Senegal to a goalless draw in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Red Devils and Senegal went into the half-time break level pegging after an uninspiring first half in a Group I match played at Stade Alphonse Massamba in Brazzaville.

Congo were hoping to seal a place in the finals before their last group match against Guinea-Bissau but struggled to get off the mark early on.

After a few half-chances, Senegal couldn’t penetrate the defense effectively as just the other day.

With few chances, the only shot on goal was a horrid attempt by Sadio Mane on 18 minutes.

Congo’s first-half opportunity arrived close to 30 minutes when Gaius Makouta’s cross-cum-shot was flicked away by goalkeeper Bingourou Kamara.

The path to goal was proving more complicated, with the efforts from Nampalys Mendy and Krepin Diatta, among others, deflected wide of the mark.

As the half drew to a close, Mendy rose for a cross but failed to keep the effort on target with Diatta rushing off his line to narrow the angle as the sides went into the break goalless.

However, the second half was still frustrating for the home team despite numerous changes especially in attack.

Congo seemed to be patient building from the back towards the end of the match, but nothing came of it as Senegal were happy to sit back and defend to put more frustration to the home side.

Makouta had another chance in the 78th minute to break the deadlock but blasted the ball high.

Senegal managed to escape once again in the 88th minute as a Juvhel Hama went inches wide after beating the offside trap.

Senegal had almost everyone at the back in the dying minutes of the game as they were happy to get away with a point.

Congo had another chance in added time, but Makiesse wasted the chance as the match remained goalless to the end.

How they lined-up;

Congo: Ndzila, Mouandza, Rozan, Tsoumou, Makiesse, Avounou, Bahamboula, Mbenza, Binguila, Ondongo F., Osete, Massanga