DR Congo advances to AFCON semifinals with commanding 3-1 victory over Guinea

DR Congo secured a spot in the 2023 AFCON semifinals with a dominant 3-1 victory over Guinea in a thrilling quarter-final clash at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.

Guinea took the lead in the 20th minute through a penalty calmly converted by Mohamed Bayo after he was fouled in the box. DR Congo quickly responded as captain Chancel Mbemba rose highest to head in an equalizer from a corner just seven minutes later.

In the second half, DR Congo intensified their attack, and the decisive moment came when lively substitute Silas was brought down in the area, leading to Yoane Wissa converting a penalty to give DR Congo the lead. Guinea tried to respond, but the Leopards sealed the win late on with a stunning third goal from Arthur Masuaku.

DR Congo, two-time champions, displayed power and quality in their performance and will face either hosts Cote d'Ivoire or Mali in the semi-finals. This victory marks DR Congo's sixth semifinal appearance in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea, despite the defeat, can take pride in reaching the quarter-finals for only the third time in their history. However, DR Congo's commanding performance edges them closer to their first African crown since 1974.

DR Congo vs Guinea – Match Facts:

• DR Congo qualified for their sixth AFCON semi-final, the second in the 21st century after 2015.
• Guinea lost for the fifth time in five quarter-finals, with DR Congo becoming the second team to score at least three goals in an AFCON knockout match with 100% converted shots on target.
• Two penalties were granted in an AFCON knockout game for only the second time since 2010.
• Mohamed Bayo scored three of Guinea's four goals in the 2023 AFCON, becoming the first Guinean goalscorer in a quarter-final since 2006.
• Chancel Mbemba, at 29 years and 178 days, became DR Congo's second-oldest goalscorer in the AFCON.
• Arthur Masuaku scored DR Congo's first direct free-kick at the AFCON since 2017, making them the first team to score three goals from set-pieces in a knockout match at the tournament since 2010.