The Moroccan national team gave up a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which missed a penalty kick at the Laurent Boko Stadium in Group 6 of the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Coach Walid Regragui's team, which became the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, raised its score to 4 points at the top of the group. The Democratic Republic of Congo reached two points from two matches.
Achraf Hakimi gave Morocco the lead in the sixth minute with a shot from close range after a corner kick taken by his teammate Hakim Ziyech.
Achraf Hakimi opens the scoring for the Moroccan national team against the Democratic Republic of Congo#Africa_Cup of Nations#totalenergiesafcon2023 pic.twitter.com/o9f0Iwv0Nx
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 21, 2024
Democratic Congo striker Cedric Bakambu missed a penalty kick awarded by the Video Assistant Referee near the end of the first half.
Cedric Bakambu misses a penalty kick for the Democratic Republic of Congo#Africa_Cup of Nations | #Morocco #Democratic_Congo #totalenergiesafcon2023 pic.twitter.com/3c7rOmzQoF
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 21, 2024
The Moroccan players were affected by the hot weather and humidity in the city of San Pedro, so their performance declined in the second half, with coach Sebastien Desabre resorting to the bench to revitalize the Democratic Republic of Congo’s attack.
Youssef Al-Nusairi fails to tame the ball, wasting the opportunity to add the second goal#Africa_Cup of Nations | #Morocco #Democratic_Congo #totalenergiesafcon2023 pic.twitter.com/I8NZcnLiTI
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 21, 2024
Desabre got what he wanted immediately after substitute Meshack Elia ran off and passed the ball to Silas Katumba, who fired a low shot from close range that deceived goalkeeper Yacine Bounou in the 76th minute.
The Democratic Republic of Congo tied with its Moroccan counterpart (1-1)#Africa_Cup of Nations | #Morocco #Democratic_Congo #totalenergiesafcon2023 pic.twitter.com/rzxBu4LpAj
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 21, 2024
The Democratic Republic of Congo continued its control, and Hakimi cleared a cross from the goal line before goalkeeper Bono blocked a powerful shot from substitute Feston Miley near the end.
Achraf Hakimi saves the Atlas Lions!#Africa_Cup of Nations | #Morocco #Democratic_Congo #totalenergiesafcon2023 pic.twitter.com/ke29UoiBS4
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) January 21, 2024
