AFCON 2023: DR Congo, Zambia Share Spoils In 1-1 Draw

DR Congo came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw with Zambia in their entertaining Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F clash on Wednesday, at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro, Cote d’Ivoire.

Zambia featured Patson Daka in attack, with Fashion Sakala and Lubambo Musonda supporting on the wings. For Dr Congo, Cedric Bakambu started up-front while Theo Bongonda and Yoane Wissa were on the flanks.

Group F’s second game’s starters are all ready to start their #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 journey. #RDCZAM pic.twitter.com/hFeKMGpNaJ

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2024

The match was played with high intensity in the first half as both sides looked to claim all three points in the highly anticipated encounter.

The Leopards started brightly but fell behind against the run of play when midfielder Kings Kangwa capitalised on a goalkeeping error to fire Zambia ahead in the 23rd minute.

Impressive, unreal or whatever you wanna call it #GoalOfTheDay by Kings Kangwa is extra special #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/ToJkUa7Fsj

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2024

Despite taking the lead, Chipolopolo looked blunt upfront with Daka and Sakala failing to give enough problems to their opponents. The Zambians lacked attacking spark as Bakambu and co began to turn the screw at the other end.

• Read more: AFCON 2023: Morocco Puts Three Past Tanzania

However, the Congolese deservedly drew level just before half-time when Wissa converted Bakambu’s low cross. 1-1

After finishing the first half strongly, DR Congo picked up where they left off as Bakambu and Wissa continued threatening post-break. The Leopards thought they had won a penalty only for the decision to be dramatically overturned by VAR.

In the end, both teams had to settle for a point from an entertaining Group F match in San Pedro.

⌚ FULL-TIME!

The points are shared here at Laurent Pokou Stadium. #RDCZAM | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/QY6ssVcbel

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 17, 2024

The draw leaves DR Congo behind Morocco on goal difference after the Atlas Lions thrashed Tanzania 3-0 earlier on Sunday.

Morocco’s emphatic win over Tanzania earlier in the day means the Atlas Lions top Group F with three points, followed by DR Congo and Zambia with a point each.

DR Congo will play Morocco next on Sunday, January 21st at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro while Zambia take on Tanzania.