Slapped by Mali on the first day, Congo-Brazzaville got back on track on Wednesday June 8, during the second day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers. Opposed to Gambia, the Red Devils won 1-0.
The final defeat suffered on Saturday June 4 hurt, but it did not have time to settle too permanently. The Congo, rolled in Bamako 4-0plunged back into the qualifying bath for the 2023 African Cup of Nations from this Wednesday, June 8, this time at home. And the men coached by the Belgian Paul Put have set the record straight, even if the goal difference remains negative for the moment.
Antoine Makoumbou delivers the Red Devils
It took until the last quarter of an hour for the decision to be made in this balanced encounter. The salvation of the Red Devils, in front of their public at the Alphonse Massambat-Débat stadium in Brazzaville, came from the foot of Antoine Makoumbou, the midfielder who plays for a club in Slovenia, in Maribor. No. 12 in the back, he eliminated an opponent with a dribble before trying his luck full axis, about 25 meters from the Gambian cage. His shot surprised Baboucarr Gaye, the opposing goalkeeper (74th).
Earlier in the match, the Scorpions goalkeeper had been more successful. He notably won his face-to-face with Guy Mbenza, who tried to dribble past him in the 22nd minute. Faced with Makoumbou’s shot, Gaye had to bow. The visitors had the equalizing ball at the end of their foot, but Musa Barrow sent his shot on the crossbar (85th).
While waiting for the match between South Sudan and Mali on Thursday June 9, Congo is reassured in group G. Here it is with 3 points on the clock, just like Mali and Gambia. The rest of the playoffs promises to be tight in this pool.
AFCON 2023: CALENDAR AND RESULTS OF QUALIFICATIONS