DR Congo have reached the semi-finals of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after beating Guinea 3-1 in a quarter-final clash played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan on Friday night.
The Leopards, winless at the tournament heading into the encounter, came from a goal down to power their way past the youthful Guinea side.
Sebastien Desabre’s charges bowed to early pressure from the Syli Nationale who got their golden chance to take the lead in the 20th minute after Congolese skipper Chancel Mbemba penalized for a touch on Mohamed Bayo in the area.
Bayo took the chance and put the ball past the helpless Lionel Mpasi to get the opening goal of the night in Abidjan.
Mbemba took just seven minutes to get his side back on level terms as he rose highest to head home from a set-piece.
After the break, DR Congo turned the screw and almost took the lead through Cedric Bakambu who missed a golden chance in the early stages of the second stanza.
DR Congo would then take control of the scoreboard as substitute Silas Katompa was brought down in the area, allowing Yoane Wissa to dispatch the ball into the net in the 65th minute.
Arthur Masuaku sealed the victory over the deflated Syli Nationale late on in the 82nd minute with a stunning strike as Desabre’s side marched on into the last four.
The two-time African champions put up a commanding performance to reach the last four at the AFCON for the third-time in over 25 years.
The Leopards will wait to learn their semi-final opponents between hosts Ivory Coast and the Eagles of Mali who will clash this Saturday in Bouaké.
