DR Congo win Africa Cup of Nations playoff
February 7, 2015
Democratic Republic of Congo defeated hosts Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on penalties in the third-place playoff at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Following 120 goalless minutes after extra time, Javier Balboa and Raul Fabiani missed Equatorial Guinea's first two spot kicks, while DR Congo were ruthless - Chancel Mbemba Mangulu, Lema Mabidi and Cedrick all scored before Cedric Mongongu took the decisive kick to hand 'The Leopards' their second playoff win in three appearances at the tournament.
There was little goalmouth action in the opening 45 minutes in high temperatures, with the tempo increasing towards the end of the game. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will be satisfied that the game passed without incident.
Days earlier, the quarterfinal between Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia was marred by ugly scenes at the end of the fixture, which the hosts won 2-1. Equatorial Guinea were then fined $100,000 (80,000 euros) for their part in the trouble that interrupted the semifinal win against Ghana where 14 fans were hospitalized.
Riots took place on the streets with 36 fans injured and the head of the Ghanaian Football Federation describing the situation like a war zone. FIFA president Sepp Blatter and CAF chief Issa Hayatou claimed the media coverage was over-exaggerated.
On Sunday, Ivory Coast and Ghana face off in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Malabo.
The Black Stars of Ghana have won the competition four times, but have endured a barren spell since 1982. Meanwhile, their West African counterparts enjoyed their only triumph in 1992, but now boast what many see as a 'golden generation' with the likes of Yaya Toure and Gervinho, among others, in their ranks.
rd/jh (AFP, AP)