DR Congo were held to a frustrating 0-0 stalemate by Congo Brazzaville in an Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) match played at the New Kintele Stadium in Brazzaville on Friday evening.

The home side dominated large parts the encounter, played at a almost sold out venue, but were unable to provide the finishing touches to wave-after-wave of attack.

Barthelemy Gatsono’s troops started the game on the front foot with Ondama Nicholas and Ngombe Jaules combining well in attack; the later going close on the half-hour mark as his attempt was cleared off the line.

Mouko Barel was then called into action with 39 minutes on the clock as the Leopards flexed their muscles before the break.

Gatsono, manning the touchline as the local stars coach, subbed off the trio of Ankira dua, Obassi Bercyl and Botamba Matheusat the interval.

Congo Brazzaville continued to dominate possession and territory with Lakolo Hermann denied by Matampi Vumi in the 69th minute. The AC Leopards midfielder having emerged from the bench in the second stanza.

DR Congo’s Ben Malango had the best chance going close in the 82nd minute as his powerful effort flew over the crossbar.

Rivaldo Coetzee had late chance to win it for the hosts, but he was denied by the Congo Brazzaville shot-stopper in second-half stoppage-time as DR Congo  had to settle for a draw.

The result limits the chances of Congo Brazzaville qualification as it will be a tough task to beat DR Congo who are the defending champions at home.