The Democratic Republic of Congo booked their spot in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw with Tanzania on Wednesday at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo.
The result allowed DR Congo to finish second in Group F behind Morocco and set up a knockout clash with Egypt.
For Tanzania, a third straight game without a win sealed their elimination in the group stage. The Taifa Stars have still never claimed victory in the AFCON after 9 winless matches across three tournaments.
In a game that lacked quality in front of goal, Congolese striker Yoane Wissa went closest when his chip beat Tanzania keeper Aishi Manula but drifted just wide. The stalemate was enough for DR Congo to advance to the next round.
“I’m satisfied to finish second in the group. We now look forward to the match against Egypt,” said DR Congo coach Héctor Cúper.
Tanzania’s preparations were disrupted by the sacking of coach Adel Amrouche following their opening 3-0 loss to Morocco. Amrouche was banned by CAF for 8 games over his post-match comments.
Caretaker coach Hemed Suleiman could not guide Tanzania to victory, even when they faced 10-man Zambia last game. Their winless AFCON record continues to haunt them.
DR Congo join hosts Ivory Coast, Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Malawi, Gabon, Nigeria, Guinea, Gambia, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea in the last 16. The knockout stage begins on Sunday.
