DR Congo through to AFCON semi-finals

The Democratic Republic of Congo came from behind to defeat Guinea 3-1 on Friday and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. Guinea had reached the last eight after winning a Cup of Nations knockout tie for the first time, and they went in front midway through the first half. Mohamed Bayo was pushed […]

The Democratic Republic of Congo came from behind to defeat Guinea 3-1 on Friday and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Guinea had reached the last eight after winning a Cup of Nations knockout tie for the first time, and they went in front midway through the first half.

Mohamed Bayo was pushed over in the box and converted the resulting penalty for his third goal of the competition.

However, Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba produced a fine finish to equalise before the half-hour mark, and the Congolese took the lead with a penalty of their own in the 65th minute.

• Hike in flour price: ‘Gurasa’ sellers down tools in Kano
• PDP govs donate N100m to victims of Plateau attacks

Silas Katompa Mvumpa was tripped in the box by Julian Jeanvier, and Yoane Wissa of Brentford made no mistake from the spot.

DR Congo then clinched their place in a first semi-final since 2015 thanks to a stunning late free-kick by Besiktas full-back Arthur Masuaku from way out on the left flank.

They had qualified for the knockout phase despite drawing all three matches and then overcame Egypt on penalties in the last 16.

“We are extremely happy because we had drawn all our games up to now and we picked a good moment to get a win,” said their French coach Sebastien Desabre.

DR Congo now stay in Abidjan for a semi-final against either Mali or hosts Ivory Coast, who meet in the last eight on Saturday.