Trailing by two early second-half goals, DR Congo scored an incredible four times in 25 minutes to set up their first victory of this year's tournament. After a dull first-half which ended goalless, Congo scored twice early in the second period through Ferebory Dore and Thievy Bifouma on 55 minutes and 62 minutes respectively.
However, it took Florent Ibenge's side just three minutes to respond as Dieumerci Mbokani halved Congo's lead and ten minutes later Jeremy Bokila levelled the scores. It was to get even better for DR Congo who edged in front when substitute Joel Kimwaki's header found the back of the net and, right at the death, Mbokani completed the scoring with a cool and calm finish.
Now in the last four of the competition, DR Congo have a real chance of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1968.
KEY MOMENTS
8'- CLOSE! Best chance of the game so far as DR Congo's Bolasie angles a shot towards the top corner of the goal from around 25 yards but it rises slightly too high and hits the roof of the net. The goalkeeper was beaten though.
12' - OVER! Congo deal with the initial corner but are unable to clear the danger and Makiadi's second attempt to deliver a cross finds Mbemba at the back post but he heads the ball well over the bar. Should have done better.
34' - HALF CHANCE! Mabwati shows real pace down the wing and picks out Bokila in the penalty area but the DRC forward's shot is really tame and the goalkeeper easily collects. That was better at least.
40' - CLOSE! Ndinga comes within a whisker of scoring the game's opening goal as his rocket free-kick narrowly misses the top corner. What a hit!
54' - GOAL! Congo have the lead against the run of play! A wonderful delivery from Ndinga picks out Dore at the back post who swings a leg and sees the ball hit the back of the net! Poor, poor defending but Congo don't care! 1-0!
62' - GOAL! Congo have doubled their lead after a real mix-up at the back from DRC! Bifouma scores his third goal of the tournament after jumping onto the rebound after the goalkeeper had saved Dore's shot.
65' - GOAL! DRC have given themselves a fighting chance! Crystal Palace's Bolasie does tremendously well to beat his marker on the wing and pulls the ball back to Mboukani who simply taps the ball into the back of the net. 2-1 now!
75' - GOAL! And there it is, the equaliser! Bokila has levelled the scores with a powerful effort which leaves the goalkeeper with no chance after Congo failed to clear their lines!
81' - GOAL! And they've done it! The substitute Kimwaki has headed in DRC's third goal of the game and they now lead 3-2! Congo never dealt with Kebano's cross and Kimwaki was there at the right place, right time, to nod in the goal which could clinch DRC a place in the last four of the AFCON!
90' - GOAL! DRC have their fourth with a cool and calm finish from Mbokani who showed real strength and pace to get behind the Congo defence!
KEY STATS
This was only the second time Congo have featured in an Afcon quarter-final after losing 2-1 to Ghana in Senegal 23 years ago.
The two sides have now played 36 times, with DR Congo winning 16, losing 10 and drawing 10 against Congo.
TALKING POINT
Can DR Congo go all the way? It was the first time DRC had won a game in the competition, progressing from the group stages courtesy of three draws but, after such an emphatic performance resulting in a thrilling 4-2 victory over their great rivals, you suspect the momentum is with Florent Ibenge's men.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Dieumerci Mbokani (DR Congo) - The forward was hugely influential, bagging a brace. His first goal allowed his side back into the game and his second sealed the win.
PLAYER RATINGS
Congo: Mafoumbi 5, Bouka Moutou 6, Bissiki 5, Baudry 6, Moubhibo 6, N'Dinga 6, Oniangue 7, Babele 6, Dor 7e, Bifouma, 7 Litsingi 6. Subs: Malonga 5, Gandze 5, Nguessi 5.
DR Congo:
Muteba 6, Zakuani 6, Mbemba Mangulu 7, Mongongu 7, Issama Mpeko 6, Kasusula 6,
Makiadi 7, Bokila 8, Cedrick 7, Mbokani 9, Bolasie 8. Subs: Kimwaki 7, Kebano
7, Omba 6.
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