AFCON 2023: How DR Congo Reached the Quarter Finals Without Winning a Match in Regulation Time

• DR Congo reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday
• The Leopards defeated seven-time AFCON champions, Egypt in a penalty shootout
• Surprisingly, they have not yet won a match in regulation time in this tournament

The dream lives on for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They recorded an upset victory in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, beating seven-time champions Egypt in a penalty shootout.

Goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi starred for DR Congo, scoring the match-winning spot kick to send his country to the quarter-finals.

With the win, DR Congo moved to within three victories of capturing their third AFCON title.

The Leopards’ road to the quarter-finals hasn’t been easy, though, reaching this stage of the tournament under unique circumstances.

How DR Congo reached AFCON's last 8

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They have yet to record a win in regulation or extra time in any of their matches in this tournament, per Eurosport.

DR Congo opened their campaign in the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Zambia. Yoanne Wissa earned a point for the Leopards with his equaliser in the 27th minute.

They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Morocco. Achraf Hakimi opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions in the sixth minute before Silas grabbed a late equaliser for the Leopards in the second half.

DR Congo concluded their group-stage campaign with a goalless draw against Tanzania.

Morocco’s victory over Zambia in the other group match meant the Leopards secured a spot in the round of 16 as one of the tournament’s second-placed teams.

Interestingly enough, their opponents in the last 16 also haven’t won a match in this year’s AFCON.

Egypt also drew all of their matches in Group B, recording 2-2 stalemates against Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde.

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It was only fitting then that DR Congo and Egypt’s last-16 clash would not be settled at the end of regulation and extra time.

The match went into a penalty shootout, with Sebastien Desabre’s men prevailing 8-7.

DR Congo will next face Guinea for a spot in the semi-finals, per The Guardian.

Onana and Salah disappoint at AFCON 2023

Sports Brief previously reported on Andre Onana and Mohamed Salah's disappointing campaigns at AFCON 2023.

They combined for just three appearances in the tournament as both Egypt and Cameroon exited in the knockouts.

Salah suffered a hamstring injury in the group stage, while Onana made only a single start for the Indomitable Lions.