Guinea and DR Congo secure quarterfinals spots in another night of drama at AFCON 2023
The ongoing AFCON 2023 tournament continues to be the gift that keeps on giving after yet another dramatic night of football. Guinea and DR Congo were the nations left standing after yesterday’s Round of 16 matches.
Mohamed Bayo’s header in the very last seconds of injury time beat Owono on his near post, sent Equatorial Guinea home, and brought tears to coach Kaba Diawara’s eyes. It would have been a sensational equaliser had leading marksman Emilio Nsue not missed a penalty earlier in the game.
Equatorial Guinea were reduced to ten after a Bikoro red before a VAR check awarded them a penalty for a foul on the charismatic Salvador. The diminutive midfielder’s chest bumps and high fives were premature as Nsue hit the outside of the upright. It was all too much for a journalist from Equatorial Guinea who fainted in the media tribune. She received medical attention and woke up only to see Guinea celebrating qualification to the last eight.
Egypt and DR Congo had drawn their way into the Round of 16, so a draw was expected. A sudden-death penalty shootout was probably not on the cards for many. Meshack Elia put the Congolese in front before VAR intervention gave the Egyptians a spot which Mostafa Mohamed dispatched with aplomb just before the halftime whistle sounded.
Seven minutes into extra time Mohamed Hamdi received a red card before a marathon penalty shootout saw both goalkeepers having to take a spot kick. Lionel Mpasi scored and Gabaski missed, sending millions into tears of joy and further millions into tears of agony.
The AFCON 2023 Round of 16 fixtures continue with four spots still to be filled in the quarterfinals. We fully expect more drama.
