Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scored the 18th penalty of a nerve-shredding shoot-out as DR Congo produced the latest shock at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by knocking seven-time champions Egypt out to reach the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
DR Congo went ahead for the first time at the finals when Meschack Elia nodded in Yoane Wissa's cross to put the team ranked 67th in the world on course for the latest surprise result at a tournament which has been illuminated by underdog success in Ivory Coast.
Their lead lasted nine minutes before Mostafa Mohamed converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Ahmed Hegazi was caught by a flailing arm from Dylan Batubinsika.
Egypt finished with 10 men after left-back Mohamed Hamdy was shown a second yellow card seven minutes into extra time for a mistimed lunge on Simon Banza.
And, after Pharaohs keeper Gabaski had clipped the top of the crossbar in the ninth round of the shoot-out, Mpasi stepped up to win it 8-7 on penalties.
In the absence of injured captain Mohamed Salah, Rui Vitoria's team ended the tournament winless and suffered the same fate as they did in the 2021 final, when they were beaten on penalties by Senegal.
An unmarked Hegazi headed an early first-half chance over from seven yards out and substitute Mahmoud Hamada lost his footing from a presentable opportunity late in normal time, but the Leopards were worthy winners and could have gone ahead sooner had the lively Elia not lashed an effort over in the third minute.
The shoot-out saw both sides miss from their second attempts, with Mohamed side-footing wide of the right-hand upright and Arthur Masuaku immediately scooping the ball over the crossbar for the Central Africans.
But Mpasi kept his composure to slot into the top right-hand corner against Gabaski, who had been a penalty-saving specialist in Egypt's run to the final in Cameroon two years ago.
DR Congo will play Guinea in the quarter-finals at Abidjan's Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Friday (20:00 GMT) after the Syli National beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 earlier on Sunday.
Latest Stories
-
Haithem Debbiche appointed Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa
59 seconds -
Integrate ESG principles in investment decisions – BoG Governor urges companies
19 mins -
Advocating for Safe and Quality Medicines in Africa: A collective effort towards a healthier future
26 mins -
Bayor EP: Echoes from Faraday project to celebrate female footballers set for launch on May 18
34 mins -
Geisha Soap celebrates Mother’s Day with weekend of activities
36 mins -
BoG governor calls for more investment in fintech space
43 mins -
Shlomit Sufa: Independence – From mourning to hope
55 mins -
CBG commissions Sickbay Project at Berekum
59 mins -
Wilmar Africa’s Alife Soap brand celebrates mothers at Komfo Anokye Hospital
1 hour -
Newmont supports Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Children’s Ward with medical consumables
1 hour -
Trading Atlantic Lithium shares on GSE a historic event in Ghana’s mineral resource exploration – Lands Minister
1 hour -
Provident Insurance prioritises customer service as it trains over 100 staff, strengthens digital agenda with Obaa Yaa
1 hour -
We need your support – LOC Chairman for CAA Region II championships
1 hour -
Cedi can only stabilse temporarily but will keep on depreciating – Prof Bokpin
1 hour -
Fast-rising rapper Crytical talks perseverance on new single ‘Borkor Borkor’
2 hours