DR Congo Eliminated After Late Morocco Goals as North Africans Join Harambee Stars in Quarterfinals

DR Congo suffered a painful elimination from the 2024 African Nations Championship after falling 3-1 to Morocco in a dramatic Group A clash at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

In a fiercely contested encounter, the Leopards fought bravely to level the game before halftime, only to see their hopes crushed by a second-half penalty that sealed their fate.

The Atlas Lions wasted no time asserting themselves and stunned the Congolese supporters inside the opening eight minutes.

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RS Berkane forward Oussama Lamlioui showcased his composure in front of goal, coolly slotting past goalkeeper Brudel Efonge after a swift, incisive build-up.

Morocco’s sharp passing and fluid movement threatened to take full control of the match, with Youssef Belammari and Lamlioui causing constant problems for the Congolese backline.

Despite Morocco’s early dominance, the Leopards refused to be intimidated. Backed by a passionate crowd of Congolese and Kenyan fans, Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb and Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu worked tirelessly in midfield to claw back momentum.

Their persistence finally paid off just before halftime when Jephte Kitambala produced a moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, he unleashed a thunderous strike that flew beyond

Moroccan keeper Elmehdi Al Harrar, sparking wild celebrations and restoring parity at 1-1 heading into the break.

The second half opened with Morocco looking to restore their lead and they pressed higher up the pitch and eventually forced the crucial moment of the contest.

In the 68th minute, a Congolese defender committed a foul inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mohamed Rabie Hrimat stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty, making it 2-1 to Morocco.

The goal handed the Atlas Lions renewed confidence while leaving DR Congo with a mountain to climb.

The Leopards threw bodies forward in search of another equalizer, but Morocco’s disciplined defense held firm.

Morocco struck again to put the result beyond doubt. In the 80th minute, Oussama Lamlioui showcased his class once more, firing a brilliant strike past Efonge to make it 3-1.

The forward’s second goal of the night underlined Morocco’s clinical edge and silenced the Congolese support, who had hoped for another late twist.

Substitute attackers added energy for DR Congo, yet they could not carve out clear-cut chances to trouble Al Harrar.

Moroccan counter-attacks kept the Congolese under pressure,ensuring there would be no way back.

The final whistle blew and the 3-1 scoreline confirmed DR Congo’s elimination from the tournament.

Their spirited fight and flashes of brilliance, particularly from Kitambala, were not enough to overturn Morocco’s clinical edge.

The Leopards leave the competition ruing missed opportunities, but their passionate display earned admiration from the partisan crowd.

Morocco, meanwhile, march on with renewed belief and will now face Tanzania in the quarterfinals.

DR Congo XI:Brudel Efonge Liyongo, Jacques Kapanga Mwimba, Agee Basiala Amongo, Miche Mika Miche, Jephte Kitambala Bola, Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu, Magloire Ntambwe Kalonji, Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb, Heltone Kayembe Mujanay, Lolendo Mansanga, Osee Ndombele Lutaladio

Morocco XI: Elmehdi Al Harrar, Anas Bach, Marouane Loudani, Mohamed Boulacsout, Ait Ouarkhane Khalid, Oussama Lamliloui, Bouchaib Arrassi, Youssef Belammari, Imad Riahi, Youssef Mehri, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat