Title: The Leopards of the DRC qualify for the final phase of CAN Ivory Coast 2023
Introduction :
Saturday September 9, at the Martyrs stadium in Kinshasa, a thrilling match took place between the Leopards of the DRC and the Crocodiles of Sudan as part of the qualifications for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The Leopards finally won the victory with a score of 2-0. This victory marks the return of the DRC to the final phase of the competition, after having missed it during the previous edition.
The story of a controlled match:
From the 7th minute, Theo Bongonda, Leopards player, opened the scoring thanks to an assist from Nickel. The Congolese increased their attacks, creating several clear scoring chances, but without managing to add to the score. The Sudanese Crocodiles are forced to play defense, suffering repeated attacks from their opponents. Despite this, the score remained close until half-time, with only one goal in advance for the DRC.
The second half resumes timidly, the two teams observing each other without aggression. The opportunities on both sides multiply, but neither team manages to materialize. Finally, in the 80th minute, Fiston Kalala scored the second goal for the DRC, causing a real explosion of joy in the stadium, especially among the Congolese presidential couple.
Obstacles at the start of the match:
However, the match does not begin without some twists and turns. In fact, the kick-off is delayed by 50 minutes due to the number of spectators authorized by CAF being exceeded. Negotiations took place between CAF officials and the Congolese authorities to find a solution, and it was ultimately decided that only spectators already present in the stadium should be seated before the start of the match.
Conclusion :
The victory of the Leopards of the DRC against the Crocodiles of Sudan marks a triumphant return of the Congolese team to the final phase of the African Cup of Nations. This qualification is a reason for satisfaction for supporters and players, who will now have the opportunity to represent their country on the African scene in Ivory Coast in 2023. Let us hope that this victory announces a good performance for the DRC during the upcoming competition.