African Cup of Nations 2017
DR Congo 3-1 Togo
Democratic Republic of Congo powered themselves into the quarterfinals with a commanding victory against Togo in their final group C game at the 2017 African cup of Nations.
The Leopards finished top of group C with seven points after making light work against off color Togo earning a 3-1 victory in the game played on Tuesday
Goas from Junior Kabananga, Firmin Mubele and Paul-Jose M’poku were enough for Florent Ibenge’s charges to claim victory despite Togo pulling one back through Kodjo Laba.
Togo were held an early blow with second choice goalkeeper Baba Tchagouni sustaining an injury. Tchagouni had replaced Kossi Agassa in goal after the latter was allowed leave from camp after his home in Togo was vandalized.It was third choice goalkeeper Cedric Mensah who came on to replace the injured Tchagouni
Kabananga put Congo ahead in the 29th minute after picking up a defence splitting pass from Chancel Mbemba to slot home his third goal of the tournament.
The Astana forward beat Togolese defender Sergie Gakpe for pace to control the pass from Mbemba and fire home into the bottom left corner and Congo led 1-0 at the interval.
Formin Mubele doubled the lead for the 2 time champions, nine minutes after recess lobbing the ball past Togo goalkeeper Cedric Mensah after beating the offside trap.
Togo cut the deficit by half with substitute Kodjo Laba scoring on his first touch in the 69th minute and the sparrow hawks had a chance to level matters a minute later but Emmanuel Adebayor blasted the chance wide.
However, Paul-Jose M’poku erased any chances for a tempted comeback for Togo scoring Congo’s third goal of the day from a free kick with ten minutes to time.
The result meant DR Congo finished top in group D with seven points, one above second placed Morocco who defeated defending champions Ivory Coast 1-0 in the other game.