AFCON 2015 Final Results: Key Moments from Equatorial Guinea vs. DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo concluded their magnificent AFCON 2015 campaign with a third-placed finish on Saturday, beating hosts Equatorial Guinea, 4-2, on penalties after 90 minutes of football hadn't produced any goals.

Both teams far exceeded expectations during the tournament, but in fairness, Saturday's clash wasn't pretty. Chances were far and few in between, as both teams appeared afraid to push forward and take risks. Journalist Claudia Ekai didn't mince her words:

That said, the encounter did produce a handful of great moments and more importantly, a deserved bronze medalist. Both teams will take much from this year's tournament, and at the very least, fans witnessed two surprising Cinderella runs ending with silverware for the Leopards.

The match could have gone entirely different had the hosts opened the score after just five minutes, with Javier Balboa sending a fantastic cross into the area. The ball was worked back in front of goal and a wild scramble ensued, but none of the Guinean players were able to put it in the net.

Themba Hadebe/Associated Press

More wild play ensued minutes later, with Balboa and Emilio Nsue both having a good look on goal. Star keeper Robert Kidiaba was up to the challenge, however.

As shared by the Guardian's Nick Ames, the fast start was followed by a whole lot of nothingness:

Yannick Bolasie finally provided the Leopards with their first good look on goal five minutes before half-time, chesting down a ball before blasting it high over the goal of Felipe Ovono.

Chancel Mbemba Mangulu started proceedings in the second half, drawing a fine save from Ovono with a powerful header. The 21-year-old stopper was undoubtedly the breakout athlete of this year's tournament, and he continued his fine form in his nation's final match.

Claudia Ekai hopes he'll soon be able to showcase his talents on a bigger stage:

Dieumerci Mbokani didn't have his finest outing of the tournament on Saturday, evidenced by a fluffed shot after Cedrick Mabwati ran past four Guinean defenders to create space. Mabwati could have gone for goal himself, and in hindsight, that would have been the better option.

Nsue twice had shots on goal inside two minutes, putting his first effort over the goal before finding veteran stopper Kidiaba in his path.

The Leopards stopper, famous for his awesome routine after his team scores, was playing in his final international match against Equatorial Guinea. Ivorian legend Didier Drogba paid homage to the great goalkeeper, via BBC Sport's John Bennett:

The pace of the match dropped considerably in the final 30 minutes, and a penalty shootout seemed inevitable. Kidiaba stole the show with a backflip ahead of the first kick, and the tactic clearly worked, as Balboa skied his attempt.

Howler shared the incredible moment:

Raul Fabiani also missed, and Cedric Mongongu's make sealed the bronze medal for DR Congo. Cue Kidiaba's dance, one last time:

The Leopards came into the tournament as "lucky losers" but showed anything is possible with solid organisation, although it certainly helps to field one of AFCON's top attacking duos in Bolasie and Mbokani.

Manager Florent Ibenge did a fantastic job with a young and inexperienced squad, who have a massive future ahead of them, providing they can find an adequate replacement for Kidiaba.

Equatorial Guinea only entered the tournament after Morocco dropped out as organisers, and while that part of their duties didn't go as planned, per the Guardian's Nick Ames, the team defied all expectations by reaching the semi-finals. While it's doubtful they'll be back next year, there's still plenty of cause for celebration.

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