Egypt losses to Democratic Republic of the Congo on penalties at AFCON2023 round of 16 match

After a grueling 141 minutes of active football play at the Stade Laurent Pokou during the AFCON2023 round of 16 match, Democratic Republic of the Congo edged out Egypt on penalties 8:7. The match had ended 1:1 at 90 + 15 minutes of additional time, and the two teams then proceeded into 36 minutes of extra time. Still the score line was 1:1 and it resulted in a penalty shootout to determine who progresses to the next round of the tournament among the two teams. 9 penalty kicks were taken, and while Egypt scored seven of their kicks, DRC scored eight of their penalty kicks, giving them an overall score of 9 goals to Egypt’s 8.

Both teams put up a frantic fight to qualify for the next round. The Democratic Republic of the Congo had opened scoring in the 37th minute through Meschack Elia while Egypt equalized during the additional time of the first half half at the 46th minute of play. Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdi was given a red card and sent off the pitch at the 97th minute of play for rough tackle on an opponent. Mohammed Salah, the Egyptian captain and talisman, only played the opening match of the tournament. he had to be substituted and subsequently went back to Liverpool for treatment as he could not continue due to the injuries sustained.