The National Bank of Egypt shot-stopper Gabaski was chosen over Zamalek shot-stopper Mohamed Sobhi and Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed Al Shenawy, while Mohamed Elneny and Trezeguet were both brought back into the team. Egypt displayed their attacking intentions from the start, with Ahmed Hegazy’s header narrowly missing the target just eight minutes into the game. Congo also showed their attacking prowess as Theo Bongonda came close to scoring with a strike that narrowly missed the crossbar.
Meschack Elia scored for the Leopards with a close-range header before Mostafa Mohamed leveled the score for Egypt with a penalty on the stroke of half-time. DR Congo started the second half strongly, and Egypt made an attacking change by bringing on Omar Marmoush for Trezeguet. Despite Egypt’s late pressure, the game went into extra time after finishing 1-1 in regular time.
Egypt suffered a setback in extra time after being reduced to ten men following Mohamed Hamdi’s red card. DR Congo failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage, and the game eventually went to a penalty shootout. Congo won the shootout 8-7 in sudden death, securing a place in the quarter-finals where they will meet Guinea.