DR Congo through to quarters, Togo knocked out

DR Congo thrashed Togo 3-1 to qualify for the AFCON 2017 quarter finals, a win that ensured they emerged top of Group C. The victory also knocked out Togo out of the competition. Claude Le Roy’s men didn’t cause Florent Ibenge’s side much trouble, who look like the best balanced and most cohesive side in the competition, even if they lack the stars like most teams.

Florent Ibenge, DR Congo coach said: “It’s been two years since we were together, we could have panicked, but we didnt. We stayed stronger and eventually took the lead. Experience can not be bought. We have players who are there, who have stabilized us today.”

Togo needed a win to have a chance of qualification. They began the game with Emmanuel Adebayor racing around all over the pitch in search for an early goal, but it was the tournament top scorer Junior Kabananga who converted Chancel Mbemba’s pass for the opener

Ndombe Mubele doubled the lead after the break, before Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba’s tidy finish gave Togo some hope, only for Paul-Jose M’Poku’s to secure a deserved win for DRC congo win with a well-taken free-kick.

DR Congo will face in the quarter-finals the 2nd finishers of Group D, either Ghana, Mali or most likely, Egypt.

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