FT DR Congo 1-1 Guinea, (Penalties, 5-4)

2009 African Nations Championship winners DR Congo are through to this year’s finals after eliminating Guinea 5-4 on post match penalties in a semifinal clash at Amahoro Stadium, Kigali on Wednesday 3.

The largely balanced clash, failed to produce goals in normal time, and was tied 1-1 after extra time prompting the dreaded shoot outs.

Florent Ibenge’s side thought they had it all wrapped up in the 102nd minute, when TP Mazembe’s Jonathan Bolingi headed past Guinea keeper Abdoul Aziz from Guy Lusadisu’s fine cross to give them the lead for the first time in the match, but the Elephants had other ideas.

Ibrahim Sory Sankhon equalized for Guinea on the dot, from Aboubakar Kile Bangoura’s deflected pass to spark wildly celebrations from the West Africans bench and fans; the match then went straight to penalties.

The first five kicks produced three successful conversations each with two missed on both sides – sending the spot kicks to sudden death.

DC Motema Pembe keeper Ley Matampi was the hero for the Leopards, saving two penalties, including Mohammed Youla’s after Elia Meschack had scored the first kick of the sudden death to send the Central Africans to their second finals of CHAN.

Joel Kimwaki, Miche Mika, Jonathan Bolingi, Doxa Gikanji were the other scorers for DR Congo while, Ricky Tulenge and Joyce Lomalisa missed theirs. On the Guinea side, Ibrahim Sory Sankhon, Aboubakar Leo Camara, Aboubakar Bangoura and Daouda Camara where successful, while Ibrahim Sory Bangoura, Mohamed Thiam and Mohamed Youla missed.

DR Congo will know their Sunday opponent in the final, after tomorrow’s second semifinal match between Ivory Coast and Mali.

Guinea will stick around for the third playoff also on Sunday.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com