The Moroccan national team failed to maintain their early lead against the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawing 1-1, which postpones their qualification from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations "Ivory Coast 2023." The Atlas Lions increased their points to 4 at the top of Group 6, while the Democratic Republic of Congo raised their tally to 2 points.
The Moroccan team started ideally and Youssef En-Nesyri nearly opened the scoring in the first minute with a header, which was saved by Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mbesang. This corner led to Morocco's first goal by Achraf Hakimi, who received a pass from Sofyan Boufal and volleyed the ball in the sixth minute.
The goal liberated the Moroccan players, who completely controlled the match, prompting coach Walid Regragui to vary their attacks. In the 12th minute, Hakim Ziyech shot from a distance, but the goalkeeper intervened. Morocco's danger was evident through the flanks, where Boufal and Azzedine Ounahi successfully disrupted Congo's defense.
Youssef En-Nesyri mishandled an easy ball, breaking free against the Congolese goalkeeper but squandered a clear goal in the 19th minute. Afterwards, the players of the Atlas Lions began to show signs of fatigue due to the hot weather, allowing the opponent to take relative control. Their pressure resulted in a penalty confirmed by video review, which Cedric Bakambu missed in the 43rd minute, continuing Yassine Bounou's success story with penalties since the Qatar World Cup.
In the second half, Morocco's performance continued to decline while Congo advanced. Regragui was forced to make numerous changes in the attacking and midfield lines, bringing in Bilal El Khannouss for Sofyan Boufal. Morocco did not threaten the Congolese goal, with Mbesang being challenged only once in the 66th minute by Ounahi, whose shot was high.
Congo tipped the balance, equalizing in the 75th minute through Silas Omangituka after an attack from the left flank where Mohamed Chibi was positioned. Bakambu nearly scored a second goal in a similar fashion, but Hakimi cleared the ball off the line, ending the match in a 1-1 draw.
