DR Congo vs. Guinea: Score and Reaction from CHAN 2016 Semi-Final

DR Congo became the first team to qualify for the final of the 2016 African Nations Championship, beating Guinea on penalties during Wednesday's semi-final action. Mechak Elia scored the winning penalty after the match had ended 0-0 in regulation and 1-1 after extra time.

Jonathan Bolingi gave the Leopards the lead with a diving header during the first half of extra time, but Ibrahima Sory Sankhon tied things up in the dying seconds to force a penalty shootout.

Ley Matampi made crucial saves for DR Congo throughout the match and came up big in the shootout, saving the deciding kick to send his team to the final. DR Congo will face the winner of Thursday's clash between Mali and Ivory Coast.

Before the match, Guinea head coach Mohammed Kanfory Bangoura told reporters his team would take a defensive approach to try and neutralise DR Congo's prolific attackers, per David Isabirye of Kawowo Sports:

"

Being our first time at the CHAN championships, we respect all the teams, DR Congo inclusive. We hope to offer a defensive wall and rely more on individual brilliance of my players. I have prepared my players mentally and ready for the physical battle.

I have a full strength side. All the players who were suspended against Zambia are now back. We shall use the wings with a tactical approach depending on match situation.

"

Rwandese president Paul Kagame sat among the fans and watched an entertaining start to the match, with both teams creating danger early. True to his word, Kanfory Bangoura had his team working the ball out wide as much as possible, while the Leopards tried to put pressure on the ball and push up the middle.

Doxa Gikanji was at the centre of proceedings for DR Congo, first scuffing a shot from distance before putting the goalkeeper to work with a powerful drive.

Guinea held a slight edge in possession but both teams looked very evenly matched throughout the first half, although the Elephants started to increase the pressure as the first half wore on. Padou Bompunga ran into the first booking of the match, ending his tournament in the process, as the yellow card resulted in an automatic suspension.

Meanwhile, football writer Collins Okinyo reserved special praise for his team-mate Joel Kimwaki, who looked absolutely dominant in defence:

Sankhon put the Congolese goalkeeper to work with a sensational free-kick just before half-time, but Matampi showed some excellent reflexes to deny him the opening goal.

The score was still 0-0 at half-time, but Okinyo liked the action on display:

DR Congo went into the break looking the better side, but Guinea started the second half with more attacking intentions, leading to even more chances. First, the Leopards' Joyce Lomalisa curled a free-kick just wide of the goal, before Matampi produced a stunning save to deny Sankhon from point-blank range.

The Guinea forward perhaps should have put his header in a better spot, but it was still a great save from Matampi, per The Beat 99.9FM:

Nation Media Group's Robert Madoi also couldn't believe it:

Moussa Diawara also came close to opening the score, but once again, Matampi made a crucial stop. Sankhon then hit the woodwork with another header, as Guinea continued to muster the better chances.

The Leopards controlled possession at this point, however, and as Guinea appeared to tire slightly, DR Congo started to look more dangerous. 

Daouda Camara missed a glorious chance to give Guinea the lead with 17 minutes left to play, as he was sent though clear on goal but failed to hit the target. Per Madoi, the Congolese fans were doing everything possible to inspire the side, as the better chances continued to fall to Syli Nationale:

With time running out, both teams were determined to grab a winner in regulation, and standout Gikanji came agonisingly close, smashing a powerful drive off the crossbar. That would be the final chance of the 90 minutes, as the first CHAN 2016 semi-final headed for extra time.

Both teams were cautious to start extra-time, with Guinea looking to do damage from set pieces, but it was DR Congo who finally took the lead through Bolingi, who powered home a header from close range.

The Leopards immediately shut up shop defensively, and Guinea seemed powerless to break through DR Congo's blue wall. The CHAN debutants looked tired after a long and tough battle, and chances to tie things up were few.

Guinea looked dead in the water, but with seconds left to play, Sankhon scored an unlikely equaliser to send the match to penalties. Okinyo couldn't believe it:

Ibrahim Bangoura missed the first spot-kick for Guinea, but so did Ricky Tulenge for DR Congo, allowing Sakhon to tie things up at 1-1. The series eventually went into sudden death where Matampi saved the day with a textbook stop once again.

Both teams gave it their all and should look back on this thriller with pride, although Guinea will be left sorely disappointed after battling back from a deficit in extra time.

Matampi was undoubtedly the man of the match for DR Congo, and the star goalkeeper will have to be at his best in the final to ensure DR Congo have any chance of winning. Both Mali and Ivory Coast have looked unstoppable at times during the tournament, so the Leopards will likely start the final as underdogs.

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