adminDR Congo edged Rwanda 2-1 after extra time to qualify for the Chan 2016 semi-finals yesterday in front of a fully packed Amahoro Stadium. Doxa Gikanji opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a long range shot from the edge of the box to surprise Amavubi who had started the game brilliantly in attack.
The Leopards dominated possession in the first half and got several opportunities through freekicks by Heritier Luvumbu but goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye was alert enough to save them.
Striker Jonathan Bolingi got behind the Rwandan defence but his shot hit the woodwork in the 19th minute before Rwanda embarked on a counterattack but left back Celestin Ndayishimiye’s pass from the left wing into the box went off target.
Innocent Habyarimana came close to scoring but Congolese goalkeeper Ley Matampi dived to block his effort in the 36th minute before Merveille Bope sent a through pass to Bolingi in the box two minutes later but the latter was too slow and Ndayishimiye cleaned up easily.
In the second half, Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry introduced Dominique Savio Nshuti for Habyarimana as the re-energised hosts launched a search for an equaliser.
Striker Ernest Sugira found the back of the net in the 56th minute when he made a good run into the box to beat two defenders and Matampi before sending a brilliant strike into an open net.
Sugira could have doubled Amavubi’s lead when he once again ran behind the Congolese defence and Matampi but his chip went inches over the woodwork.
Nshuti caused trouble on the left wing as he continuously earned Amavubi freekicks from Yannick Bangala’s fouls but Emery Bayisenge’s attempts were unsuccessful.
Both sides settled for a 1-1 draw at full time and according to the tournament rules, it would go to extra time.
DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge introduced Zacharie Mombo for Meshack Elia and the former’s fresh legs brought energy into the Congolese attack.
However, it was Padou Bompunga’s header in the second half of extra time that sent the Leopards into the last four as the first team to make it to the semi-finals.
DR Congo will take on the winner between Zambia and Guinea who face off on Sunday at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu at 6pm. — supersport.com.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter