DR Congo are on top of group C after beating Morocco 1-0 in their opening clash. This is despite having to play less a man after Lomalisa Mutambala was sent packing after collecting a second yellow card with ten minutes remaining.
Junior Kabananga scored the lone goal for Coach Florent Ibenge’s side in the 55th minute. With Mutambala out, Morocco tried taking advantage of the numerical advantage against the West African side with Youssef El-Arabi missing two headed chances.
More trouble was on the way after DR Congo was forced to play with nine men after Gabriel Zakuani was injured. By the time he was being carried out of the itch the leopards had made all their substitutions.
He later on came back, struggled with his pain to help his side secure the lone goal. The team won despite starting their campaign on a striking note due to unpaid allowances.
In an earlier match defending champions were held to a barren draw by fellow West Africans Togo. DR Congo are on top on tree points followed by Ivory Coast and Togo who have a point a piece while Morocco are fourth without a point.