DR Congo secure Afcon qualification

Needing a win to secure their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo claimed a 2-0 victory over Sudan in their final Group I match at the Stade de Martyrs Stadium on Saturday night.

Goals in either half by Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele saw DR Congo overtake Mauritania in Group I as the Leopards secured Afcon qualification.

DR Congo established themselves in the tie by holding most of the ball during the early exchanges of the encounter. 

After five minutes played, Sudan found themselves defending their quarters as DR Congo applied pressure early on.

In what was a dream start for the Leopards, Theo Bongonda settled nerves all around the Stade de Martyrs by getting his name on the scoresheet in the eighth minute. 

With Charles Pickel finding Bongonda with a well-weighted through ball toward the Sudan goal, the attacker managed to find the back of the net with a left-footed shot from a difficult angle.

DR Congo remained dominant on the ball during the first 15 minutes of the game, while Sudan played most of their football inside their own half.

Reduced to playing on the counter attack, Sudan went forward in sporadic moments as a result of DR Congo’s possession heavy approach.

MAYELE DOUBLES CONGO'S ADVANTAGE

Nonetheless, the Leopards actively searched for a second goal throughout the first half but were met with doggish defending by the Sudan backline.

With the referee calling time on the first 45, Bongonda’s early strike proved to be the difference maker at the break.

DR Congo assumed possession of the ball immediately after the restart and created a couple of goalscoring opportunities in the process.

Meschack Elia came close to doubling the Leopards' lead moments before the hour mark, with his right-footed shot