The AFCON Week 5 matches continue with high intensity.
A thrilling match was played between South Sudan and the Republic of Congo. In the 26th minute, Christopher Ibayi converted a pass from Congo’s Samuel Malis into a goal, only for Ebon Wajo to equalize in the 31st minute.
This duel continued throughout the game, with Ibayi scoring Congo’s second goal in the 35th minute. Then, in added time (45+2), Ebon Wajo once again stepped up to keep South Sudan in the game.
Christopher Ibayi had to leave the match due to an injury in the 68th minute. But this wasn’t the only setback for the Republic of Congo—Bryan Passi received a red card for a clear goal-denying foul.
Playing with ten men, Congo couldn’t hold off South Sudan’s attacks. In the 84th minute, Data Elly scored the decisive goal, leading South Sudan to a 3-2 victory. This win marked South Sudan’s first 3 points in the tournament and caused the Republic of Congo’s elimination.
With South Africa and Uganda set to play each other tomorrow, both teams have already guaranteed their advancement from the group stage. Despite the thrilling match, South Sudan and the Republic of Congo will not be able to continue in the tournament.
Elsewhere, Algeria, having already secured the top spot in their group, drew with Equatorial Guinea, marking their first dropped points of the tournament. Equatorial Guinea, with this 0-0 draw, also secured their place in the next stage.
In Group B, Lesotho faced the Central African Republic. Neo Mokhachane’s goal in the 51st minute led to the Central African Republic’s definitive exit from the tournament. While Lesotho still has a mathematical chance, it would require a miracle for them to advance.
In Group L, Burundi and Malawi ended in a 0-0 draw. Both teams had already been eliminated from the tournament prior to this match.