After multiple fouls committed on both sides and a deadlock that lasted well into 34 minutes of overtime, DR Congo finally clinched victory with 8-7 on penalties.
The regular time ended with a 1-1 scoreline, with the tension escalating as Egypt and DR Congo battled fiercely for supremacy.
After multiple fouls committed on both sides and a deadlock that lasted well into 34 minutes of overtime, DR Congo finally clinched victory with 8-7 in penalties.
The first half concluded on a dramatic note as Egypt managed to level the score just before the break. Mostafa Mohamed stepped up to the penalty spot in the 46th minute and coolly converted, equalizing after Elia Meschack had given DR Congo the lead in the 37th minute with a well-placed header from a quick throw-in.
The drama continued in the 45 minute as a VAR review led to a penalty kick for Egypt. Dylan Batubinsika of DR Congo received a yellow card for his involvement in the incident, and Mostafa Mohamed capitalized on the opportunity, sending the ball into the back of the net.
The second half kicked off with both teams eager to regain the lead. Possession slowly began to even out, with each side looking for opportunities to break the deadlock. In the 46th minute, Egypt made a substitution, bringing on Ahmed Aboul-Fotouh for Mohamed Hamdy Sharaf, perhaps aiming to inject fresh energy into their lineup.
Throughout the match, the Pharaohs struggled to find their rhythm in attack, facing a determined DR Congo defense.
In the 58th minute, Hamdy Fathy received a yellow card, adding to the disciplinary incidents in the highly contested encounter.
In the 97th minute, Mohamed Hamdy Sharaf, who had previously been booked, received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal from the field, and so Egypt was left down a player.
The 95th minute saw DR Congo gaining more possession, attempting to assert dominance and match Egypt’s intensity.
Despite being a man down, Egypt maintained control of the ball in the 71′ minute, persistently seeking to break the deadlock. However, DR Congo remained resilient and matched the Pharaohs offensively.
