DR Congo holds Morocco to 1-1 draw in AFCON thriller

In a pulsating Group F encounter at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, highly-rated Morocco was held to a thrilling 1-1 draw by DR Congo.

Achraf Hakimi's early goal for the Atlas Lions was neutralized by DR Congo's determined comeback.

Morocco took the lead in the sixth minute, with Hakimi finding the net after an assist from Hakim Ziyech.

However, DR Congo seized an opportunity to level the playing field when VAR awarded a penalty for a Moroccan handball in the box just before halftime.

Cedric Bakambu had a chance to equalize, but his penalty attempt went wide, leaving the score at 1-0.

The Leopards persisted, and with 15 minutes left, Silas Katompa Mvumpa converted Elia Meschack's assist to draw level.

The entertaining encounter ended in a 1-1 stalemate, leaving Morocco at the top of Group F with four points, while DR Congo holds the second spot with two points. Both teams have their AFCON qualification fate in their hands.

Morocco is set to face Zambia in their next match, while DR Congo takes on Tanzania in their final pool match on Wednesday.

The draw keeps the excitement alive in Group F, with all teams still in contention for a spot in the knockout stage.