Lionel Mpasi's 'Cheeky' Smile Before Scoring Winning Penalty Against Egypt Goes Viral: Video

• Lionel Mpasi was the hero as DR Congo beat Egypt
• The DR Congo goalkeeper scored the winning penalty
• DR Congo will face Guinea in the quarter-final of AFCON

DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi gained the admiration of many on social media with his display of confidence during the AFCON round of 16 clash against Egypt.

The French-based goalkeeper was unfazed by the reputation of the seven-time champions as he produced a Man of the Match performance on Sunday.

Mpasi, who plays in Ligue 2 for Rodez, scored the winning penalty as DR Congo eliminated Egypt from the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire.

Before converting his spot-kick, Egypt's goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal, popularly known as Gabaski sent his wide.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Mpasi is seen smiling as he carried the hopes of millions of Congolese in San Pedro. The goalkeeper made no mistake, sending Gabaski the wrong way.

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Meanwhile, in an exhilarating game, the Leopards broke the deadlock after Meschack Elia connected to Yoane Wissa's cross from the far end.

However, Egypt responded at the stroke of half-time from the spot. FC Nantes forward, Mohamed Mostafa levelled after converting the penalty.

DR Congo will now face Guinea in the quarter-final of the competition, per Sky Sports.

DR Congo reach AFCON quarter-final

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that record seven-time champions Egypt have been knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday after losing a penalty shootout 8-7 against DR Congo.

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi converted the winning spot-kick in San-Pedro after fellow shot-stopper Mohamed Abou Gabal had seen his kick strike the bar and fly over.

A tense last-16 clash finished 1-1 after extra time with Meschack Elia scoring on 37 minutes for DR Congo and Mostafa Mohamed equalising in first-half added time from a penalty.

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Gabaski misses penalty against DR Congo

Sports Brief also reported that Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal Gabaski failed to replicate his heroics from AFCON 2021 after missing a penalty in the shootout defeat to DR Congo.

The National Bank of Egypt shot-stopper is noted for his penalty-saving ability, having singlehandedly sent the seven-time champions to the final in Cameroon.

Gabaski appeared for the shootouts with his famous bottle but failed to make a single save as the Egyptians suffered a round of 16 elimination.