Morocco and DR Congo Battle to a 1-1 Draw in the Africa Cup of Nations

In a thrilling encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Moroccan national team drew with the Democratic Republic of Congo, finishing with a scoreline of 1-1. This match, a pivotal second-round fixture in Group 6, unfolded at the Laurent Pokou Stadium and is part of the prestigious tournament currently hosted by Côte d'Ivoire, set to run until February 11th.

Morocco took an early lead with a goal from star player Ashraf Hakimi, who found the net in the 6th minute, setting a dynamic tone for the game. However, the Democratic Republic of Congo responded fiercely, winning a penalty in the 41st minute after a handball by Moroccan midfielder Selim Amallah. Cedric Bakambu stepped up for the penalty kick but failed to convert, hitting the post and maintaining Morocco's slender lead.

The game's tempo heightened until the 77th minute when Silas Katompa Mvumpa scored the equalizer for DR Congo, bringing the game to a nail-biting draw.

Morocco's starting lineup featured key players, including goalkeeper Yassine Bounou; defenders Mohamed Chibi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss, and Ashraf Hakimi; midfielders Azzedine Ounahi, Selim Amallah, and Sofyan Amrabat; and forwards Sofiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Hakim Ziyech.

With this draw, Morocco now sits at the top of Group 6 with 4 points, closely tailed by DR Congo with 2 points. Morocco had previously secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Tanzania, while DR Congo had drawn 1-1 with Zambia in their respective opening matches.