Summary
CAN 2024: the DRC reaches the round of 16 without shining, Morocco finishes in pole position
The Democratic Republic of Congo settled for a draw against Tanzania (0-0) to validate its place in the round of 16 on January 24 in Korhogo.
For its part, Morocco beat Zambia (1-0) and secures first place in Group F.
Congolese Yoane Wissa in a duel with Tanzanians Novatus Miroshi and Bakari Nondo during the match between Tanzania and the DRC in Korhogo, January 24, 2024. © AP / Themba Hadebe
By: Farid Achache Follow |
Valentin Berg Follow
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With our special correspondent in San Pedro,
How difficult it was for the Leopards!
The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the round of 16 of CAN 2024 after a difficult match against Tanzania (0-0) on January 24 in Korhogo.
Far from being convincing in this group stage with two draws on the clock, the Democratic Republic of Congo still had its destiny in hand before facing Tanzania at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo.
Facing the last of group F, the Congolese had to achieve their first victory of the competition to ensure they see the round of 16.
But the Leopards took time to make the difference against the Tanzanians who also wanted to save their skins.
Read alsoCalendar, results and rankings of CAN 2024 matches
Sébastien Desabre's players projected themselves towards the Tanzanian goal from the start, but they too often lacked sharpness in front of goal in the first period.
They also suffered more than expected from Tanzanian attempts, like this pivotal shot from Samatta in the area (15th), which reminded the Congolese that they should not bury them too quickly.
It was Yoane Wissa who first sounded the revolt, by infiltrating the opposing area before firing a shot that was a little too timid to worry Manula (22nd).
A few minutes later, Wissa stood out again with a long pass to Mayele, who slipped between the Tanzanian defenders before losing his duel against the goalkeeper (29th).
But that's about it for this Congolese team, which often chased the ball without ever managing to impose its rhythm on the match.
After 60 minutes of play, the Tanzanians were still on par with a Congolese team that was uninspired and too technically imprecise to win the match.
The Leopards again relied on Yoane Wissa to bring danger in front of the opposing goal.
He first almost succeeded in opening the scoring by lobbing Manula, who quickly came out on him in the area, but the Tanzanian goalkeeper was able to deflect his attempt with his fingertips (78th).
The midfielder then lacked precision with a powerful shot which grazed the crossbar (85th).
At the end of a very sluggish meeting on the part of the Leopards, the contract was nevertheless fulfilled.
But more will have to be shown in the final table.
Read alsoCAN 2024: Tanzania-DRC, relive the qualification of the Leopards in the round of 16
Morocco finishes in style
Despite the victory against Zambia, it will be said that Morocco could have had a better day if coach Walid Regragui had not been given a four-match suspension by the Confederation of African Football, two of which were suspended, after his altercation. at the end of the match against DR Congo with captain Chancel Mbemba.
The coach therefore had to sit in the stands of the Laurent Pokou stadium and will return to his bench if Romain Saïss's gang reaches the quarter-finals.
It was therefore the first assistant, Rachid Benmahmoud who presented himself at the edge of the pitch for this third group match of the Moroccans.
The objective of achieving a second victory in groups to secure first place in Group F has been achieved.
In turn, Côte d'Ivoire, the organizing country, which no longer had its destiny in hand, could advance to the second round with this result.
It's done.
Moreover, in the stands of the Laurent Pokou stadium, many Elephants fans came to support Morocco.
The clamor rose in the San Pedro sky as Hakim Ziyech sent the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring (38th).
In the first period, Sofiane Boufal also lifted the Ivorians after missing the target with a curling shot from the right (16th).
The former Angers player had also sent a ball above the cages in the 29th minute after a powerful shot, which made the 15,000 spectators who were essentially committed to the cause of the Atlas Lions, less dangerous once more, shiver with happiness. good part of the second half.
At the final whistle, an entire stadium stood up to congratulate the Moroccans, good Samaritans.
Tomorrow, in the streets of San Pedro, the Moroccans who traveled to support their team should receive even more attention from the local population!
Read alsoCAN 2024: Zambia-Morocco, relive the quiet victory of the Lions who finished first in their group
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