Sunday, June 10, 2012

Libya 2 - Cameroon 1; DR Congo 2 - Togo 0

The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed Togo to Kinshasa.  Midway through the opening period, DR Congo staked themselves a 1-0 lead, but the good vibes would not last long.  Albert Mutamba was sent off for a red card in minute 39, so the hosts had to play a man down for the final fifty minutes.  No ill effects were felt from the red card in the first half, with DR Congo winning it 1-0.

In the second period, Togo were unable to take advantage of their extra man and in fact conceded a penalty with a little under ten minutes to play.  Dieumerci Mbokani (pictured, blue) stepped up and buried the penalty kick, giving DR Congo the final goal of the match.  DR Congo win 2-0.

Libya had to play their home fixture against Cameroon behind closed doors at a facility in Sfax, Tunisia.  An early goal made the pitch feel more like their actual home for Libya, but their lead was short lived as Eric Choupo Moting scored his second in two matches for Cameroon, knotting the game at one goal apiece.  Moting has scored all of Cameroon's goals so far in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  The match was balanced at 1-1 going into the break.

Libya's defense actually seemed to be the shakier of the two during the second half, allowing the Indomitable Lions to roar toward the goal.  However, the finishing on the night was poor for Cameroon, and it would be a late corner kick for Libya that would decide the match.  Hamad Ahniash beat the goalkeeper to the ball and headed home into the vacated net for a stoppage-time match winner.  Libya take first place in the Group I standings on the back of their 2-1 win.

Libya 4 pts +1
DR Congo 3 pts +1
Cameroon 3 pts 0
Togo 1 pts -2

Goals
DR Congo
Mabi Mputu 23
Dieumerci Mbokani 81 PK

Libya
Ahmed Zouary 8
Hamad Ahniash 90+3

Cameroon
Eric Choupo Moting 16

Match Reports:
http://www.afriquejet.com/world-cup-brazil-2014-qualifier-dr-congo-togo-2012061140127.html
http://www.goal.com/en/match/78002/libya-vs-cameroon/report

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