The Red Devils of Congo beat The Gambia 1-0 in Brazzaville to revive their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 hopes.
Antoine Makoumbou scored 16 minutes from time to secure Congo their first points in Group G following their 4-0 against Mali last week.
The bruising contest saw few chances created with the hosts creating the more meaningful ones.
The Scorpions who came into the match on the heels of their 1-0 success against South Sudan in Thies started bright with Ablie Jallow and Musa Barrow winning early set pieces.
The Red Devils came close midway through the first half through Wydad Casablanca forward Mbenza.
The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winner latched on to a long ball over the Gambia defense, shrugging off Bubacarr Sanneh’s challenge before Baboucarr Gaye denied him from close range.
Congo’s captain Bifouma combined with Makoumbou to set up Mbenza who dragged his effort wide.
The visiting Scorpions introduced Muhammed Sanneh for AS Roma youngster Ebrima Darboe to tighten up at the back.
The Gambia registered their first shot on target through Assan Ceesay’s low left-footed drive.
Bifouma missed a golden opportunity to wrap up the match when his effort came off the crossbar in the closing stages.
The victory moves Congo level on points with The Gambia and Mali ahead of the Eagle’s contest with South Sudan in Kampala, Uganda
