DR Congo Through to the Quarter Finals After Knocking Out Togo

DR Congo took the lead after when Mbemba who sent a through pass seeking Kabananga – who made no mistake easily brushing off Gakpe – swiveled to easily slot home a low ball into the far corner.

Mubele added DR Congo’s second in the 54^th minute when Mensah – whose one touch clearance from Tisserand – put Mubele through to flicker the ball over the keeper.

A 67th-minute change for Togo showed some hope with Laba coming on for Dossevi. Djene’s cross landed at Adebayor’s feet placing it for Boukari who then squared it for Laba, whose first touch calmly passed the ball low into the net.

They score was nearly leveled seconds later, when Adebayor hit a shot straight at the keeper even with the time and space the Togolese striker had, to do better.

Togo’s goal seemed to have woken DRC up and looked to be getting the better of the latter but the Congolese woke up and their efforts paid off soon enough when Kabananga, was fouled just outside the box.

Mpoko stepped up to take the free-kick sending a side-footer against the underside of the bar to make it 3-1 in favor of DRC.

DR Congo is perhaps the best balanced and most cohesive side despite the lack of prominent stars that seem to be elsewhere. Although Senegal is favorites to win this year’s competition, DR Congo can not be easily written off.

Featured photo: DR Congo’s forward Junior Kabananga (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. (AFP)