The Democratic Republic of Congo coach Florent Ibenge has praised his team’s fighting spirit after eliminating Rwanda in the quarter-finals of the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Ibenge also believes the Leopards, after knocking out the tournament hosts, can now go all the way to the title.DRC took the lead through midfielder Roxa Gikanji after just 11 minutes with an unstoppable shot from about 30 yards passed the Rwanda stopper Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye, who remained rooted to his spot.

But Amavubi recovered in the second half and equalized in the 57th minute through Ernest Sugira, with a top class finish having been put through on goal by Jean Claude Iranzi. It was Sugira’s third goal in the tournament.

A few minutes later, Sugira had a golden opportunity after going head to head with DR Congo goalie Ley Matampi, but was unable to find the back of the net with his chip effort that went just over the crossbar.

But it was defender Padou Bompunga, who scored the winner for the visitors in the 113th minute to take DRC into the last four where they will play against either Zambia or Guinea in the first semi-final on Wednesday at Amahoro national stadium.

"I am happy with the way they fought to win the game; we are looking forward to continue our spirit in the next stage. We believe we can win this tournament,” Ibenge said during the post-match press conference.

The 58-year old added, "We played well and it is great for us to beat Rwanda for the first time (after two consecutive defeats). We are now looking forward to the next game in semi-final, which will be very difficult.”

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