DR Congo's Road to AFCON 2023 Final: Who’s Next for the Leopards After Guinea Win in Last 8?

• DR Congo qualified for the knockout round as the second-placed team in Group F
• The Leopards defeated Guinea in the quarter-finals to progress to the next round
• The two-time AFCON champions will next face either Mali or Ivory Coast

DR Congo remained on course to win their third AFCON championship after beating Guinea 3-1 in the quarter-finals on Friday.

The Leopards battled back from an early 1-0 deficit to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2015.

Sports Brief looks at DR Congo's road to the AFCON 2023 final, including their upcoming semis clash with either Mali or hosts, Ivory Coast.

DR Congo ease past Guinea in quarters

After beating Egypt in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16, the Leopards shifted their attention to their quarter-final clash with Guinea.

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Syli National secured a last-eight meeting with DR Congo after they defeated Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in the Round of 16.

DR Congo entered that contest without a win in regulation time in this year's AFCON. They drew all of their matches in the group stage and needed penalties to oust the Pharaohs.

They finally got that first win in the quarters against Guinea. DR Congo recorded a come-from-behind 3-1 victory, with Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, and Arthur Masuaku scoring the goals for the Leopards.

Leopards' possible semi-final opponents

Sebastien Desabre's men will now turn their focus to the semi-finals, where they will next face either Ivory Coast or Mali.

The host nation defeated Senegal in a penalty shootout to reach the quarters. Mali, on the other hand, are coming off a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in the last 16.

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DR Congo last faced Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations back in 2017, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw, per ESPN.

The Leopards last faced Mali in this competition back in 2013, with the match ending in a 1-1 stalemate.

DR Congo's possible final opponents

Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 on Friday to advance to the AFCON semis.

The Super Eagles will next face the winner of today's last-8 clash between Cape Verde and South Africa.

One of these three teams will play in the AFCON 2023 final. That match is scheduled to happen on Sunday, February 11, per CAF.

Will the Leopards end their long title drought and bring the trophy back home to DR Congo? We'll soon find out.

Masuaku stars in DR Congo's win

Sports Brief recently reported on DR Congo's win over Guinea.

Masuaku stole the show in that quarter-final matchup.

He sealed the win for the Leopards with a sensational free kick late in the second half.