Port Elizabeth – Ghana and DR Congo more than made up for a goalless first day of the African Cup of Nations with a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group B opener in Port Elizabeth.
Four-times winners Ghana scored either side of half time to move into a 2-0 lead through Italy-based midfielders Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah.
But Claude LeRoy’s DR Congo – who almost did not play after threatening strike action against a federation which has failed to pay staff expenses – had been more than a match for the Black Stars, and they deservedly levelled through star players Tresor Mputu and Dieumerci Mbokani.
Both sides could have won it late on but a draw was a deserved result, and one which makes for an interesting group that also features restive neighbors Mali and Niger, who play later on Sunday.
There was widespread disappointment when Saturday’s first two matches of these finals both ended goalless, particularly given African football’s reputation for joyous attacking play.
But there was little doubt that one of these two sides would find the net, particularly given the attack-minded formations on show.
With Ghana missing the Ayew brothers and Michael Essien, DR Congo looked the better side in the first half as Lomana LuaLua hit the crossbar, Mputu put over from a good position, and LuaLua again had an effort deflected wide.