10-man DR Congo left Morocco with a bitter pill to swallow – edging them 1-0 in a match the Atlas Lions bossed entirely at Stade d’Oyem, Oyem on Monday 16th.
Junior Kabananga’s 55th minute volley made all the difference as the Leopards moved top of group “C” with three points.
In the previous match at the same venue, defending champions Ivory Coast were held to the first barren draw of the 31st edition of the continental showpiece by a disciplined Togo.
Morocco, who were making a return after missing the previous edition Equatorial Guinea, got off to a blistering start – dictating the proceedings, and pinning the Leopards in their half with quick passing football, however, they failed to create clear cut chances, and were generally profligate.
Within the opening 10 minutes, El Ahmadi Karim had hit the cross bar, and they had forced three corner kicks, but a rock solid DRC’s rear guard gave them no chance.
DRC responded with Cedric Bukambu’s shot in the 26th minute, which Morocco’s keeper Monir El Kajoui picked with ease, and Chancel Mbemba’s venomous strike, which went marginally wide two minutes later.
Early second half was much improved for the coach Florent Ibenge’s side as they coiled out of the shell and ventured in Morocco’s half.
In the 55th minute, Firmin Mubele took on Mehdi Benatia and Carcela Mehdi on the left wing – beating them with trickery and pace before delivering a peach of a cross which Morocco’s defense watched as Kabananga volleyed home with power and precision for the lone goal.
DRC were forced to substitute injured Marcel Tisserand for Joyce Lomalisa, however, the TP Mazembe full back did not last – picking unnecessary caution for time wasting, before receiving his marching orders for a flying tackle in the 81st minute.
Youssef En-Arabi landed the best chance to restore parity, but his point blank shot was parried away by keeper Ley Matampi in the 87th minute.
DRC will face Ivory Coast in the next fixture with Morocco taking on Togo.
