2023 AFCON Q: Tshibola & Mayela on target against Gabon, as DR Congo blow group I open

DR Congo on the travel away to Gabon, won 2-0 which completely revived them in the race for the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON qualifiers.

Everything remains possible in group I where no team has qualified or been eliminated prior to the final day.

The DR Congo has come a long way. From a last place in the standings to being leaders thanks to the latest victory over Gabon.

Under the eyes of the Gabonese president, Sébastien Desabre’s men showed solidity and realism to tame Gabon.

The Panthers started the game strongly and dominated in the earlier stages. They had many opportunities to score, but the clumsiness of Boupendza, Bouanga and Aubameyang with multiple misses, coupled with some good saves from Lionel Mpasi kept the Congolese alive.

It was almost against the run of play that Aaron Tshibola opened the scoring by heading in a corner well taken by Arthur Masuaku (34th minute).

The Panthers attacked more but the DR Congo added another. Launched on the right side of the defense, Mayele, the Young Africans striker managed to fix the Gabonese defenders, and fired a shot that left the Gabonese goalkeeper Jean-Noël Amonome (83rd) rooted.

Group I it set to remain unsettled even after Tuesday’s game between Sudan and Mauritania.

Gabon, him must now go and try to get qualification on Mauritanian soil on the last day.