Two dramatic come from behind victories sent Congo DR and host Equatorial Guinea through to the AFCON semi-finals as the last eight of the competition commenced in essence today.
Equatorial Guinea have been riding the host nation wave since the tournament began, and a combination of the referee’s favour, a rabid home fan base, and Javier Balboa led them to a 2-1 extra time win over favourites Tunisia.
In the earlier quarter final, DR Congo came from two goals down, with three goals in the last fifteen minutes to dispatch off a wasteful Congo by 4-2.
Tunisia took control of a scrappy game in the 70th minute, when Akaichi hit a sweet shot first time on a cross from the right. The North Africans looked on course for a demoralising victory over the hosts, until Balboa equalised barely a minute from time.
The referee whistled for a penalty, probably the softest penalty decision in the history of the game. But being host has its perks, and Javier Balboa wasted no time in dispatching the kick to send the game into extra time.