AFCON 2023: Romelu Lukaku Shows Love to DR Congo After Their Win Over Egypt

• The Democratic Republic of Congo have reached the quarter-finals of AFCON 2023
• The Leopards defeated Egypt on penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 stalemate
• AS Roma and Belgium star, Romelu Lukaku has hailed DR Congo for this latest feat

The Democratic Republic of Congo booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout against seven-time champions, Egypt.

Belgium and AS Roma striker, Romelu Lukaku has hailed the Leopards for their win. The former Manchester United striker has DR Congo roots.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw after a tense 120 minutes of action. DR Congo are yet to win a game at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

However, that doesn't matter anymore, as they are now in the quarter-finals. After Egypt goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal missed his penalty, his opposite number, Lionel Mpasi buried his effort, sending his teammates and fans to seventh heaven.

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After the result, Lukaku posted the DR Congo flag on his Instagram story and added a caption in Lingala and French, which translated to 'Thank you, good night'.

The Belgian's father, Roger Lukaku, was born in DR Congo's capital, Kinshasa and briefly played for the national team between 1993 and 1996, per FIFA.

The two-time AFCON champions face Guinea in a quarter-final clash on Friday, February 2, per CAF.

How DR Congo reached AFCON quarters

DR Congo registered their fourth straight draw in the 2023 edition of the AFCON after their 1-1 stalemate with Egypt, as Sports Brief also reported.

The Leopards’ journey to the quarter-finals hasn’t been straightforward. It is incredible to think they are in the last eight without a single victory.

They drew 1-1 with Zambia in their opener, then settled for a 1-1 draw against Morocco before closing their group with a draw against Tanzania.

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Wild celebrations in DR Congo

Sports Brief also reported on DR Congo fans taking to the streets to celebrate an epic win over Egypt. Fans thronged the streets of the capital, Kinshasa, to celebrate.

Their neighbours, the Republic of Congo, also flocked to the streets of the capital, Brazzaville, to celebrate the massive win and will be following the last 8 quite closely.