Congo 1-1 Zimbabwe
BRAZZAVILLE – Zimbabwe held Congo to a 1-1 draw in a Group G 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat in Brazzaville on Sunday.
The Warriors opened the scoring through Khama Billiat in the Congolese capital before Thievy Bifouma struck home for the hosts, who remain winless after two rounds of fixtures.
Congo dominated the early exchanges, but having navigated their way though a sustained spell of pressure, Zimbabwe hit the front against the run of play in the 22nd minute.
A beautifully constructed attacking move finished by Billiat following a quick exchange of passes with Knowledge Musona.
Zimbabwe should have doubled their lead four minutes later after Evans Rusike played in Musona, but the forward directed his initial effort straight at Chansel Massa before guiding his follow up shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Congo looked a different outfit following the break and duly leveled matters in the 50th minute through Thievy Bifouma. So often the Red Devils go-to man, the forward proved his quality with a neat finish.
The hosts continued to push forward for the winner, but the best chance in the closing stages fell to Zimbabwe in the 77th minute. Musona, though, failed once more in his attempt to beat Massa with the goalkeeper up to the task to keep out the forward’s shot from the edge of the area.
Victory kept Zimbabwe top of the Group on goal aggregate after DR Congo could only draw 1-1 away to Liberia in Monrovia on Sunday evening.
Zimbabwe and DR Congo both have four points, while Liberia and Congo have a point each.
