By Rainos Mukanya
The Democratic Republic of Congo finally played like former champions to book a place in the quarterfinals of the Chan following their 2-1 victory over impressive Burundi in a match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
A brace from Jean-Marc Mundele was enough to see off a spirited Burundi who had opened the scoring through captain Selemani Yamin.
The leopards of DRC who had disappointed in their first two group matches came into the encounter knowing that they needed to win to make it to the knockout stages while the Swallows of Burundi needed only a draw.
With the Swallows contend on defending the Leopards displayed some enterprising play as they attempted to get an early goal.
Nkulukuta shot wide in the 7th minute, before left back Kasusula’s curled free kick hit the underside of the crossbar with Firmin Mubele driving the rebound over the bar. Yet Burundi would take the lead against the run of play.
A neat exchange of passes in the Burundi midfield ended with the ball being sent to an unmarked Yamin who directed his shot beyond a diving Muteba Kidiaba in goals for the DRC. At that moment the DRC were staring elimination, with Burundi and Gabon progressing.
On the field of play it seemed like it was now 11 DRC strikers against 11 Burundi defenders. The leopards were presented with a great opportunity to draw level when the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Mubele.
However, Jean-Marc Mundele’s weak penalty was saved by Arthur Arakazi in the 20th minute. Mundele would however make amends for his miss when he scored the equaliser in the 25th minute getting between two defenders to connect a long pass from the back. He completed his brace in the 38th minute following some atrocious defending by the Swallows back four allowing him to slot home from close range.
<br
The goal was fitting reward for Mundele who despite missing the penalty had tormented the Swallows defence all night.
The second half failed to produce any goal although the DRC were on top in all departments. Burundi dangerman Abdul Fiston was marked out of the game by Kasusula.
With the win the DRC finish Group D on second position setting up a mouthwatering tie against the Black Stars of Ghana, winners of Group C. Gabon finished top of Group D after dismissing whipping boys Mauritania 4-2.
Gabon scored through Duval Nzembi, Aaron Appindangoye, Samson Mbingui and Bonaventure Sokambi, while Mauritania responded through a brace by Moulaye Khalil. The Gabonese will face Libya in the quarterfinals.
Comments
About Author
Comments Closed .