Holding on Ten-man Congo keep Angola at bay
The Democratic Republic of Congo survived the early sending off of Tresor Mputu to hold Angola to a goalless draw in their African Nations Cup Group B match yesterday. Congo were on the back foot for much of the game after Mputu was dismissed for wildly kicking the Angolan defender Kali between the legs after 19 minutes. His automatic one-match suspension may be extended if the Confederation of African Football decides to sanction him further for excessive violent play.
The Congolese, who now have four points, edged closer to the quarter-finals while Angola, who have just one, must win their last group game against Togo on Sunday to have any chance of progressing. On yesterday's evidence, however, their task will be a steep one. Even with their man advantage, Angola could not convert dominant possession into goals with their captain Akwa guilty of squandering a myriad of half-chances. His first opportunity was in the seventh minute when he was sent clear by the left-winger Edson but the Qatari-based striker hit his shot straight at the Congo goalkeeper Pascal Kalemba.
The Congo captain Lomana LuaLua was just wide with an effort soon after and as the teams traded chances, Kali also went close for Angola after sliding in at the back post in the 16th minute.
Following the dismissal of Mputu, who scored in the Simbas' 2-0 win over Togo in their opening match last Saturday, Congo found their chances restricted. However, Biscotte Mbala should have done better when a huge gap opened up for him in the Angolan defence after a corner but he failed to control the ball. Desperate defending by Congo kept out a series of chances for Akwa, Edson and Mendonca after just the half-hour.
In the second half, Angola kept up their persistent running at the defence but the best chance fell to LuaLua, who broke free on the counter attack only to blast wildly wide. The result means Angola have yet to win at the final tournament. In their third appearance at a Nations Cup, they have four draws and four losses in eight appearances. They were beaten 3-1 by Cameroon on Saturday.