Morocco remain top of Group F after Congo stalemate

By SABC Sport
21st January 2024

Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo could not be separated as the sides played to a 1-1 draw in Africa Cup of Nations Group F action on Sunday afternoon.

Morocco started like a house on fire and created an opportunity in the opening minute and a half as Hakim Ziyech combined well with Achraf Hakimi, whose brilliant first-time cross from the right found the head of Youssef En-Nesyri with Congolese goalkeepr Lionel Mpasi parrying the ball away from danger.

The Atlas Lions were all over their opponents and capitalised with an early lead in the sixth minute as Ziyech's corner from the left was volleyed in expertly by Hakimi.

Congo looked all over the place at the back and soon after the impressive Ziyech cut inside off the right flank and aimed a low strike that was held onto by Mpasi.

The Central Africans began to edge themselves back into the contest and were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Selim Amallah raised his arm to meet the ball from a corner. It was initially turned down by the referee but after VAR consultation, it was given. Striker Cedric Bakambu stepped up but drilled his spot-kick against the base of the post and wide.

Congo were definitely the better side going into the break and started the second period as they had finished the first. Dylan Batubinsika replaced Henic Inongo in the heart of the Congolese defence after Inongo copped an elbow from Amallah in the awarding of the penalty.

Batubinsika almost made an instant impact when he poked out a leg to meet a corner from the left but the ball flew narrowly wide of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's right-hand post.

The game opened up and it was end-to-end stuff as Azzedine Ounahi fired over for the North Africans and then at the other end Gael Kakuta weaved his way into the box before being thwarted by a superb sliding challenge from Nayef Aguerd.

The Leopards deservedly equalised with 15 minutes to go. Meschack Elia got to the byline and squared for fellow substitute Silas Mvumpa , who coolly side-footed home through the legs of Bounou.

Congo almost won it in the dying stages but Bounou sprawled to his right to make a crucial fingertip save from Fiston Mayel as the match ended in a draw.