DR Congo claim Afcon bronze

DR Congo have finished third after beating Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on post-match penalties in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations third and fourth playoff match in Malabo on Saturday night.

It was a massive consolation for DR Congo who enjoyed their best Afcon run since finishing third again in 1998.

However, it was heartbreak for the hosts, especially after the semifinal riot that marred their 3-0 loss to Ghana last Thursday at the same venue.

Robert Kidiaba saved one post-match penalty while Equatorial Guinea missed their first spot kick to set the tone for DR Congo. Javier Balboa stepped up to take Equatorial Guinea’s first spot kick but fired it wide.

DR Congo had Cedrick Mabwati, Lema Mabidi, Chancel Mbemba and Gabriel Zakuani to thank who all converted their spot kicks.

Second half substitute Raul Bosio saw his spot-kick saved by Kidiaba, while Juvenal Owono and Ellong Doualla successfully converted, but the damage was already done.

The first half was a see-saw affair although Equatorial Guinea dominated the opening 20 minutes.

Kidiaba had to be at his best in the fourth minute when he denied Balboa and Esue in quick succession.

Nsue again tested DR Congo with a rasping shot, but Kidiaba again dealt with the danger.

DR Congo had two chances on goal with the first coming from striker Jeremy Bokila, who had a 20th minute shot deflected for a corner by defender Daniel Vazquez.

However, the best opportunity on goal came in the 39th minute when Yannick Bolasie, who had the goal at his mercy, shockingly fired the ball across the face of goal with his right foot after beating Randy Iyanga.

The second half began on a frantic note with DR Congo taking the game to Equatorial Guinea, Mbemba’s 47th minute shot was saved by Ovono.

Five minutes later, Doualla on the other saw his shot saved by Kidiaba.

Equatorial Guinea then had another glorious opportunity wasted in the 56th minute when Nsue placed the ball into Miguel Ngomo's path but the latter skied his effort before a war of attrition ensue en route to a penalty shoot-out.