18/1/2024–|Last updated: 1/18/202401:12 AM (Mecca time)
Democratic Republic of Congo wasted several chances to draw 1-1 with Zambia in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Laurent Boko Stadium in San Pedro on Wednesday.
Kings Kangwa scored for Zambia in the 23rd minute, before Yuan Wesa equalized for the Democratic Republic of Congo four minutes later.
Each team scored a point, giving Morocco the lead in the group after earlier defeating Tanzania 3-0.
A perfect start for the Atlas Lions in the African Cup of Nations
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Kangwa gave Zambia the lead in the 23rd minute with a wonderful shot from long range into an empty net after goalkeeper Lionel Mbasi was late in returning to his goal after stepping forward to clear the ball for a throw-in.
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Patson Daka headed towards a long pass, but goalkeeper Mbasi was quicker than him in deflecting it for a throw-in, but he remained on the ground for a few seconds and the Zambian striker executed it for his colleague Kangua, who shot a dropped ball that Henoch Enonga and Chancel Mbemba failed to keep from the net.
But Wessa equalized for the Democratic Republic of Congo with an easy shot in front of goal after a low pass from his teammate Cédric Bakambu.
Wesa almost scored his country’s second goal after about half an hour of play, after he beat goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga and fired a powerful shot that was blocked by Stopila Sunzo before crossing the goal line.
The Video Assistant Referee canceled a penalty kick awarded to the Democratic Republic of Congo due to a handball on Zambia defender Tandi Mwab after a low pass from Arthur Masuaku after about an hour of play.
Wessa preferred to pass to his colleague Bakambo from close range instead of shooting, wasting a dangerous opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo a quarter of an hour before the end.
The Democratic Republic of Congo would have won the three points, but substitute Simon Panza’s shot from close range easily reached goalkeeper Mulenga near the end.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will play against Morocco on Sunday before Zambia faces Tanzania.
🗓️ Ranking of the sixth group after the end of the first round
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