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DR Congo vs Morocco. Africa Cup of Nations Group C.

Stade d'Oyem.

DR Congo 1

  • J Kabananga (55th minute)
  • J Lomalisa (sent off 81st minute)

Morocco 0

    DR Congo 1-0 Morocco: Junior Kabananga nets winner

    Democratic Republic of the Congo's forward Junior Kabananga (R) celebrates with midfielder Merveille Bokadi
    Image: Democratic Republic of the Congo's forward Junior Kabananga (R) celebrates with midfielder Merveille Bokadi

    Junior Kabananga scored the only goal as 10-man DR Congo claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Morocco in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Oyem.

    After a build-up blighted by off-field issues, DR Congo dug deep and snatched victory after Kabananga pounced on a goalkeeping error on 55 minutes.

    Substitute Joyce Lomalisa was sent off for a second bookable offence nine minutes from time and Gabriel Zakuani also limped through the latter stages but Florent Ibenge's side held on.

    An opening Group C victory for DR Congo seemed unlikely as Morocco made a superb start. Aziz Bouhaddouz headed wide in the first minute and Mbark Boussoufa went closer moments later with a shot that hit the bar.

    Boussoufa fired another effort wide and Manuel da Costa also missed the target with a header.

    DR Congo did not start to seriously threaten until close to half an hour gone when Cedric Bakambu forced a save from Munir Mohand and Chancel Mbemba shot wide.

    The complexion of the game changed 10 minutes into the second half when Mohand decided to clear a low cross from the left with his feet rather than gathering. He succeeded only in presenting a chance to Kabananga that was lapped up.

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    Morocco struggled to get back into the game but were offered a potential lifeline when Lomalisa, booked earlier for time-wasting, was dismissed after poor challenge on Faycal Fajr.

    Youssef El-Arabi went close to grabbing a late equaliser but Ley Matampi saved his powerful header.

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