Democratic Republic Congo rallied from behind to overcome Guinea 3-1 and progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Friday night.
First-choice Lionel Mpasi, who stole the show against Egypt, picked out the Leopards' lined-up along with Yoane Wissa and Cedric Bakambu, as Mohamed Bayo – the match winner over Equatorial Guinea started for the Syli National.
The Leopards wasted a glorious chance to race to a fourth minute lead from a long throw-in towards Wissa, who mis-judged the delivery and snapped wide.
Bayo continued where he left off last time out over 20 minutes played after he lined-up 12-yards in the area to tuck in a spot-kick following Chancel Mbemba's indiscretion.
The Olympique Marseille man redeemed himself eight minutes later where he leaned towards the far side of the box to finish from a tight angle as the Elephants mis-timed their lines.
Bakambu, who were on the bench in their last match, were inches close to giving Leopards the lead with a side-footed effort from the area, but snapped well wide.
After an even start to the second half, the Leopards made a key introduction off the bench where Silas Mvumpa filled in for Meshack Elia.
The entry proved vital midway through the second exchanges as Silas bombed through the area and won a penalty, which Wissa converted to give Congo the lead.
Congo extended the lead with eight minutes to play after a direct free-kick from Arthur Masuaku wide of the area moved behind the wall in off Ibrahim Kone's glove.
Silas could've ended the contest in the dying minutes through a clear one-on-one, but fluffed the chance though his side still entered the last four with the Guineans eliminated.
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