AFCON

DRC edge out Morocco in Afcon opener

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Junior Kalounji of DR Congo celebrates his goal with his teammates during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals match between DR Congo and Morocco at the Oyem Stadium in Gabon on 16 January 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

The Democratic Republic of the Congo claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Morocco in their Afcon opener to move to the top of Group C on Monday.

The Atlas Lions got off to a good start and came close to breaking the deadlock when Mbark Boussoufa hit the woodwork in the opening exchanges to the match.

Morocco were unfortunate not to have been awarded a penalty in the 17th minute when DRC defender wrapped his arm around Manuel da Costa’s neck as he tried to latch onto a ball from a free kick.

The DRC eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Junior Kabananga’s volley found the the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Morocco pressed forward in the hopes of finding an equalising goal and nearly scored in the 70th minute when Youssef En-Nesyri forced Matampi into making a fine save before latching onto the ball on the rebound but fired his effort over the target.

Disaster struck for the DRC in the last 10 minutes as substitute Lomalisa Mutambala was sent off with a second yellow card after a poor tackle.

DRC suffered a major blow in the last 10 minutes of the match when substitute Lomalisa Mutambala was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Matampi came to his side’s rescue in the 87th minute when the shot-stopper denied El-Arabi’s powerful headed to keep his side’s lead intact until the final whistle, as the DRC go top of Group C with three points, while Morocco sit at the foot of the table.

Image: CAF website