Rabat, Morocco – The Democratic Republic of Congo secured their place in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after a resounding 3-0 victory over Botswana in their final group stage match.
The Democratic Republic of Congo opened the scoring in the 31st minute through Nathaniel M’Poku. He received a brilliant backheel pass inside the penalty area and fired a shot past the goalkeeper into the net.
Gael Kakuta added the second goal in the 41st minute from a penalty kick. He successfully converted the penalty before returning in the 60th minute to score his second goal and his country’s third.
In the 63rd minute, Fiston Mayele scored a fourth goal. However, the referee disallowed it after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) due to a handball.
With this result, the Democratic Republic of Congo raised its points tally to 7, qualifying for the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as runner-up in their group. They finished behind group winners Senegal on goal difference.
Read also: Officially.. Egypt’s opponent in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations has been determined
