The Leopards will meet seven-time record holders, Egypt after finishing second to Morocco who top Group F.
This was the Leopards’ third consecutive stalemate after drawing 1-1 in their two respective matches against Zambia and Morocco.
With Morocco well on course to finishing top of the group, the Leopards went into the clash knowing that a single point would be sufficient to book them a knockout stage ticket, as they attempt to claim their third TotalEnergies AFCON title in their 20th appearance.
The opening stanza concluded with very little chances created with Tanzania surprisingly absorbing the pressure, despite having an outside chance of qualifying.
As the game edged closer to the finish, the Leopards surged forward but were denied by the acrobatic Aishi Manula in goals.
DR Congo almost stole it at the end after Manula got a hand to Yoane Wissa’s well struck effort in the 84th minute to salvage a point for the Tafia Stars who head home, as the Leopards advance.
This is what the coaches had to say
Juma Mgunda – Tanzania Interim Coach
“It was a good game. We unfortunately couldn’t get a goal, but I am happy with the performance. The boys did well. It was good game even though we couldn’t get the desired result. We prepared to win this game, but it wasn’t easy. We got into good goal scoring areas and created so many chances but just could not convert. That is the nature of football. We played them three times before this competition, and I know how they play but I want to put this game behind us. We have identified our mistakes, and we will work on this”.
Sebastien Desabre – DR Congo Coach
“I am very happy for my players and the people of DR Congo. This competition started a year ago for us through the qualifiers. I am very proud of the team’s performance. When you have such unity in the team, you get the result and the fans and people at home will enjoy this.
We had to adjust our style of play slightly because this was a very decisive game. We tried our best and it was a very physically testing game, but we focused on what was important which was qualification. We had a lot of control and deprived our opponent of the ball. This was a different approach from the previous matches, and I am really happy with what I saw”.
