AFCON 2015: Score, Reaction for Equatorial Guinea vs. Congo DR 3rd-Place Match
It was a largely stale affair to end both Equatorial Guinea and Congo DR's campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations, as the Congolese side won the tie 4-2 on penalties.
The tournament was marred by the violence in the host nation's semi-final match, prompting only a small crowd to attend this play-off.
The Guardian's Nick Ames commented on the lack of fans and atmosphere in the ground—and the huge security presence in place:
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As is often the case with third-place play-off games, the match started in sloppy fashion, with both sides giving the ball away.
It was the home side who had the best chance of the opening stages, but Javier Balboa failed to convert, as the ball ricocheted around the Congo box.
The minutes ticked on, and the game was panning out into a midfield stalemate, with Congo looking weak as they pushed into attacking areas.
But the Congo finally fashioned a good chance nearing the end of the half, as Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie fluffed his lines, shooting high and wide when it was easier to hit the target.
However, the Equatoguinean's were the happier side at the end of the half, having controlled much of the territory, with a tired Congo team struggling to keep up with the host's play.
But Ames commented about the lack of true action, with little to report in way of drama:
Congo looked to have began the second half in a higher gear, creating a good opportunity as Chancel Mbemba Mangulu headed in the box, forcing a save from Felipe Ovono.
Journalist Claudia Ekai called Ovono as her goalkeeper of the competition and concluded the match was below the standard of previous encounters between the nations:
The visitors then grabbed control of the match with renewed vigour, as Equatorial Guinea looked to have burned themselves out in the first period.
Congo's midfield had suddenly come alive, but the home team were hanging on and showing a variation of battling skills.
Viera Ellong for Equatorial Guinea had a good opportunity to open the scoring just before the hour, assisted well by Emilio Nsue Lopez on the break, but the player fired over.
The fixture became an end-to-end affair, but the standard of finishing was well below the capabilities of both sides.
Ruben Belima had a good chance for Guinea late in the match, but once again, the finishing was substandard, and the player smashed the ball wide.
The game limped to a goalless draw, and a penalty shootout was required to decide the final positions.
After their shameful semi-final, it was Equatorial Guinea who collapsed in the shootout, missing their first two penalties and giving Congo the victory.
Both Javier Balboa and Fabiani missed the home team's opening spot-kicks, and Congo made sure the match was theirs.
Cedric, Lema Mabidi, Mangulu and Cedric Mongongu all converted to give Congo an unassailable 4-2 lead and victory.
Juvenal and Ellong did score their chances for Equatorial Guinea, but it was too little, too late.
The game was a poor advert for the Africa Cup of Nations, and both sides will be pleased their competitions are now over.
Relevant Player Grades
Javier Balboa: C-
If there was one player who was going to get Equatorial Guinea over the line into third spot, it was Javier Balbao.
But the former Real Madrid attacker had a poor day at the office and compounded his misery with a penalty miss.
Balboa has been consistent throughout the tournament but, in the later stages, has been wanting against stronger opposition.
Felipe Ovono: B
Despite being on the losing side, Felipe Ovono can hold his head high after a brilliant competition and strong performance on Saturday night.
The script was set for a fantasy end for the player in a penalty shootout, but Congo were clinical in their finishing.
At 21 years old, he is one of the breakout stars of the competition and deserves all of the plaudits he will receive.
Yannick Bolasie: C
It was a tame finish to the tournament for Crystal Palace's star winger, but the French-born player has performed well for the Congo overall.
The match was not conducive for good football, and Bolasie suffered as much as anyone as a result.
But his stock has risen as a result of his performances, and Palace might struggle to hold onto him in the summer as bigger clubs look at the attacker.
Post-Match Reaction
Ekai congratulated Congo for their third-place finish and gave their coach a special mention for his efforts during the competition:
And the BBC's John Bennett also highlighted Congo's great efforts and finish:
Third-place play-offs are usually strange in any competition, and this match was no different. The semi-final hooliganism had certainly taken the shine of the match, and Equatorial Guinea failed to really perform to the expected standard.
But Congo also did not find their best game, and a penalty shootout, on this occasion, was the best way to find out who finished in the bronze position.
