A ruthless DR Congo put four unanswered goals past hapless Libya in a 2018 World Cup qualifier played on Saturday at Stade de Martyrs, Kinshasa.
A brace from Dieudonne Mbokani and a goal apiece from Jonathan Bolingi and Firmin Mubele gave the Leopards a bright start in their quest for a second appearance at the world’s biggest football stage since 1974.
Backed by a star-studded line-up which had English Premier League duo of Yannick Bolasie (Everton), Dieudonne Mbokani (Hull City) among others, the Coach Florent Ibenge’s charges went for a kill and as early as the 5th minute they were on the driver’s seat.
Mbokani , back in the national team after renouncing his retirement in March buried Bolasie’s assist for the opener.
The visitors would show signs of drawing level with a couple raids in the half but the Leopards’ keeper Ley Matampi and his defense were always on high alert to thwart any danger.
Bolingi would double the lead on the last minute of added time – bursting through a forest of legs before releasing a stunner from close range for a more comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval.
The Mediterranean Knights found the going even tougher in the second half – conceding the third through Mbokani, who soared high to head home Issama Mpeko’s cross for his second of the evening, with twelve minutes played.
Mubele who came on a substitute for injured Jordan Botaka just before half time would seal the 4-star performance with the fourth – powering past two Liibya defenders before firing into the far corner.
DRC go top of group “A” pending the second group-match pitting Tunisia against Guinea on Sunday.
@bonfaceosano
