The Democratic Republic of Congo squandered numerous opportunities to secure a victory, settling for a 1-1 draw with Zambia in Group C of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football championship, held at the Laurent Pokou stadium in the city of San Pedro on Wednesday evening.
Kings Kangwa put Zambia ahead in the 23rd minute with a stunning long-range effort into the empty net, after the Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mbappe was slow to return to his goal, following an advancement to clear the ball for a throw-in.
However, the Democratic Republic of Congo quickly replied only four minutes later, as Yannick Yala Bolasie leveled the score after being assisted by a low cross from teammate Cedric Bakambu.
The match continued with chances on both sides. Around the 30-minute mark, Yala Bolasie nearly added a second for the DRC, outmuscling Zambian goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga, but his strong attempt was cleared just before crossing the goal line by Stopilla Sunzu.
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision overturned a penalty initially awarded to the DRC due to a handball by Zambian defender Tandi Mwape, following an hour of play and a low cross by Arthur Masuaku.
Later in the game, instead of taking a shot, Yannick Yala Bolasie opted to pass the ball to Bakambu from close range, squandering a dangerous opportunity for the Congolese team, roughly 15 minutes before the final whistle.
Substitute Simon Banza had a last-minute chance to win the game for the DRC with a close-range shot, but it was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Mulenga.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will next face Morocco on Sunday, with the earlier clash between Zambia and Tanzania concluding.
With each team earning a single point from this draw, Morocco sits alone at the top of the group, having defeated Tanzania 3-0 in an earlier matchup.
Both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia will be eyeing crucial victories in their upcoming encounters if they wish to challenge for qualification to the next round.
