The Egyptian national team, led by coach Rui Vitoria, bid farewell to the Africa Cup of Nations after a heartbreaking 8-7 penalty shootout defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.
The original and extra time concluded with a positive 1-1 draw between Egypt and DR Congo, leading the teams to resort to a penalty shootout.
The match witnessed a strong and fast-paced start from both sides, with Egypt missing several goal-scoring opportunities in the early minutes.
In the 37th minute, Mbwana Samatta scored the opening goal for DR Congo, taking advantage of a deflection off Ahmed Hegazi.
However, just before halftime, Egypt equalized as Mostafa Mohamed converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Ahmed Hegazi.
The second half saw strategic substitutions from Vitoria, bringing in Mohamed Hamdy to replace the injured Ahmed Fatouh at left-back.
Despite both teams pushing for a breakthrough, neither managed to find the back of the net in the regular and extra time.
The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where both teams exhibited precision and determination.
However, in a cruel twist of fate, Egypt found themselves on the losing end as DR Congo emerged victorious with an 8-7 scoreline in the shootout.
Coach Vitoria’s side, with 3 points from the drawn group stage encounters, secured the second spot in the group, trailing behind group leaders Cape Verde with 7 points.
Mostafa Mohamed continued his scoring form, netting his third goal in the tournament.
Egypt’s historical record against DR Congo involves 12 encounters, with Egypt winning 8, losing 1, and drawing 3 matches.
As Egypt exits the tournament, attention now turns to the quarter-finals, where DR Congo will face Guinea on February 2.
The final of the Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for February 11, with the potential finalists awaiting the winners of the matchups between Nigeria and Cameroon, Angola and Namibia, Cape Verde and Mauritania, and Morocco and South Africa.
