PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, January 20 – Favoured Ghana were held to a 2-2 draw by fighting DR Congo Sunday in the opening Group B match at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Congolese Leopards, who have been embroiled in squabbles over bonuses ahead of the match, showed great character to come from two goals down and take a point.
Emmanuel Agyeman Badu gave the Black Stars the lead, and scored the first goal of this tournament, in the 40th minute when he tapped home after a well-worked move involving Kwadwo Asamoah.
Juventus star Asamoah doubled Ghana’s lead four minutes after half-time when he headed home a corner taken by Mubarak Wakaso.
Skipper Tresor Mputu pulled a goal back for the Congolese in the 53rd minute after being put through by Cedric Makiadi.
Dieumerci Mbokani drew the Congolese level in the 68th minute by converting a penalty kick after he was fouled by Jerry Akaminko.
The small, noisy crowd at the 45,000-seat Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium were treated to an open, entertaining match.
Moments before Mbokani equalised, substitute Rabiu Mohammed could have extended the Black Stars’ lead, but he hesitated when through on goal and the Leopards cleared the danger.
Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba scrambled a powerful Asamoah Gyan shot for corner in the 70th minute and, at the other end, midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu was denied by a fine diving save from goalkeeper Fatau Dauda.
The first half was also packed with chances for both teams.
Ghana took the game to DR Congo from the kick-off when Christian Atsu delivered a cross from the left which was cleared for a corner.
In a frantic start by both teams, DRC also attacked and Mputu set up Lomana Lua Lua inside the Ghana box in the 13th minute, but the crossbar denied the veteran striker.
Moments later, the Leopards threatened again when Mboakani cut the ball back only for Mputu’s shot to fly over.
Ghana skipper Gyan should have scored on the half-hour mark after being sent clear by Derek Boateng, but his tame shot finished well off target.
