DR Congo edge Guinea to storm CHAN finals

Wednesday Semi-final 1 DR Congo 1-1 Guinea (Pen. 5-4) Today Semi-final 2 Mali vs Ivory Coast 4pm SS9RTV The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on course to bag a second continental title after reaching the final of the ongoing Orange Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) taking place in Rwanda. The 2009 CHAN champions secured their place in the final after beating debutants, Guinea 5-4 in penalty shootouts in the first semi-final match played on Wednesday at Amahoro National Stadium. Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi scored for DRC in the 102nd minute after both sides after a goalless draw in normal time. However, Guinea’s Ibrihima Sory Sankhon, dramatically equalised in the last minute of extra time to take the game to penalties. DRC’s penalties were scored by Bolingi, Joel Kimwaki, Michel Mika, Elia Meschack, Doxa Gikanji while Ricky Tulenge and Joyce Lomalisa missed. Sory Sankhon, Leo Camara, Aboubacar Bangoura scored for Guinea as Mohamed Thiam, Sory Bangoura and Mohamed Youla missed. DR Congo will play the winner between Mali and Ivory Coast, who meet in the second semi-final on Thursday at Kigali Regional Stadium. “This is a big achievement for us. We wanted to reach the final and we are there, now we are going to prepare well for the game. We played against a very difficult Guinea team. We knew the game would be tough, but I am thankful that we have reached the final,” DRC head coach Jean Florent Ibenge said in a post-match press conference. Ibenge said his aim is to win every match, and will try to do the same in the final. My players have given their best throughout the tournament to be in this position.” His counterpart of Guinea, Mohamed Kanfory Bangour said, “We played well, we went a goal down, but we recovered, unfortunately, in penalties, it’s anyone’s chance to win and it has not been our day.” “Congo are a strong team that’s why the game was so close. We have lost against a big team. Now we are going back to recover and get ready for the third place playoff,” Bangour added. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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DR Congo edge Guinea to storm CHAN finals