Still seeking their first victory in the competition, the Congolese staff made changes compared to the starters of the two previous games (Zambia, Morocco). Thus, Cédric Bakambu started on the bench, yielding the front of the attack to Fiston Kalala Mayele while Silas Katompa took to the right wing to complete the offensive trio with Yoanne Wissa. In defense, Dylan Bantubisika started alongside Chancel Mbemba. Significant changes carrying all hopes, but ultimately not productive. For the first time in three rounds, the DRC finished a match without scoring or conceding.

Nonetheless, the DRC finishes second in Group F behind Morocco. In the Round of 16, they will face Egypt on Sunday, January 28. The Egyptian Pharaohs, like the Leopards, only drew their group stage matches, against Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Ghana, respectively.

The Egyptians will line up against the Leopards without their captain Mohamed Salah and their goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, both injured.

The DRC reaches the Round of 16 of an AFCON as was the case in 2019 on Egyptian soil, after missing the 33rd edition organized in Cameroon at the beginning of the year 2022.

Joseph Bahati