The highly competitive affair involving Egypt and DR Congo played at the Stade Laurent Pokou ended via penalties.
Both teams gave their all on the day, but they couldn't be separated in normal time despite two goals scored in regular time.
Meschack Elia netted the opening goal of the game, heading DR Congo into the lead in the 37th minute.
1 minute into stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to the Pharaohs, and it was ably converted by Mostafa Mohamed.
The two sides threw everything at each other, unfortunately, the second goal wasn't forthcoming for either nation.
Extra-time ensued after both countries couldn't be settled in regulation, and Egypt got a massive blow in the 7th minute of 30 additional minutes, with Mohamed Hamdi being sent off for a reckless tackle.
Rui Vitoria's side enjoyed a larger share of possession, for most of the duration of the game, but following the red card, they were forced to play sensible and cautious.
DR Congo fared better following the dismissal of Hamdi, and both countries ultimately had to be settled via the grueling spot kicks.
During the penalty session, Mohamed Abdelmonem dispatched comfortably for the Egyptians, with Rui Vitoria's side taking the first penalty.
Samuel Moutoussamy expertly brought DR Congo back level in the shootout, while unfortunately, Mostafa Mohamed, who netted a penalty in normal time fluffed his lines at a very critical moment.
That handed Sebastien Desabre's side the impetus to go in front, and shockingly, they also missed theirs through Arthur Masuaku.
Egypt scored their subsequent penalty up until the 7th spot kick, with Mohamed Abou Gabal's kick hitting the upright.
DR Congo subsequently took their opportunity and rightly grabbed it through Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who buried his penalty brilliantly.
Desabre's men are yet to win a game at the tournament in normal time, but they are gallantly walking to the quarter-final, where they will face Guinea.
Egypt also failed to win a game at the tournament, and the 7-time champions will leave to fight another day, possibly with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Penalty kicks always come with pressure and DR Congo held their nerves throughout the shootout.
DR Congo joins Guinea, Nigeria, and Angola as nations that have progressed within the last 8, with 4 other nations expected to join these illustrious countries in the coming days.
The Leopards have won the Africa Cup of Nations twice in their history, in 1968 and 1974, although they weren't known as DR Congo then.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been outstanding in all proportions, with scripts being shattered and narratives being rewritten.
It hasn't been a competition where the biggest of teams have strolled over their opposition, but one that has witnessed intense battles.
Both teams gave their all on the day, but they couldn't be separated in normal time despite two goals scored in regular time.
Meschack Elia netted the opening goal of the game, heading DR Congo into the lead in the 37th minute.
1 minute into stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to the Pharaohs, and it was ably converted by Mostafa Mohamed.
The two sides threw everything at each other, unfortunately, the second goal wasn't forthcoming for either nation.
Extra-time ensued after both countries couldn't be settled in regulation, and Egypt got a massive blow in the 7th minute of 30 additional minutes, with Mohamed Hamdi being sent off for a reckless tackle.
Rui Vitoria's side enjoyed a larger share of possession, for most of the duration of the game, but following the red card, they were forced to play sensible and cautious.
DR Congo fared better following the dismissal of Hamdi, and both countries ultimately had to be settled via the grueling spot kicks.
During the penalty session, Mohamed Abdelmonem dispatched comfortably for the Egyptians, with Rui Vitoria's side taking the first penalty.
Samuel Moutoussamy expertly brought DR Congo back level in the shootout, while unfortunately, Mostafa Mohamed, who netted a penalty in normal time fluffed his lines at a very critical moment.
That handed Sebastien Desabre's side the impetus to go in front, and shockingly, they also missed theirs through Arthur Masuaku.
Egypt scored their subsequent penalty up until the 7th spot kick, with Mohamed Abou Gabal's kick hitting the upright.
DR Congo subsequently took their opportunity and rightly grabbed it through Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who buried his penalty brilliantly.
Desabre's men are yet to win a game at the tournament in normal time, but they are gallantly walking to the quarter-final, where they will face Guinea.
Egypt also failed to win a game at the tournament, and the 7-time champions will leave to fight another day, possibly with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Penalty kicks always come with pressure and DR Congo held their nerves throughout the shootout.
DR Congo joins Guinea, Nigeria, and Angola as nations that have progressed within the last 8, with 4 other nations expected to join these illustrious countries in the coming days.
The Leopards have won the Africa Cup of Nations twice in their history, in 1968 and 1974, although they weren't known as DR Congo then.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been outstanding in all proportions, with scripts being shattered and narratives being rewritten.
It hasn't been a competition where the biggest of teams have strolled over their opposition, but one that has witnessed intense battles.