Kinshasa, June 12th, 2021 (CPA).- The DR Congo narrowly snatched a draw against Mali (1-1), Friday at the El Menzah stadium, in Tunis, in an international friendly match in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), Qatar 2022.
The Eagles of Mali largely dominated the game thanks to their mastery of the game and good ball circulation. Logically, they opened the scoring from the start of the match through Kalifa (4th), the Leopards defense having paid cash for a scoring fault.
While one expected a quick reaction from the proteges of Coach Cuper Raul Hector, the Leopards will leave the ascendancy to their Malian opponents, who will multiply the assaults and create many clear scoring chances without actually realizing them. The Congolese beasts were only saved thanks to goalkeeper Joël Kiassumbwa, who was very alert and efficient, deflecting numerous shots and making several decisive saves.
It was not until the 40th minute to see the Congolese approach the opposing goal area and get their first shot off target by Glody Lilepo. The score will stay there in favor of the Malians until the end of the first period.
Back from the locker room, Hector Cuper moved midfielders Fabrice Ngoma and Samuel Matoussamy to the respective places of Paul-José Mpuku and Miché Mika in order to resolve the equation. Nevertheless, the Eagles of Mali will continue to dominate the meeting and occasionally worry the Congolese goalkeeper.
75th minute, the Argentinian technician made his good coaching speak by mounting Ben Malango Ngita in place of Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi. The former TP Mazembe striker (85th) will take advantage of a cross from Moutoussamy on a set ball to take the opposite view on goalkeeper Ibrahim Mounkouro, member of TP Mazembe from Lubumbashi, 1-1.
The Congolese heave a sigh of relief following this equalization of the Leopards in the midst of the reconstruction phase and who conclude the FIFA window with a draw, before entering the World Cup qualifying campaign, Qatar 2022 next September.
The Leopards had lost the first international friendly match against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia by 0-1, on Saturday June 5 at the Olympic stadium in Radès, while the Aigles of Mali, for their part, bowed to the Fennecs of Algeria by 0-2. ACP/
