The Atlas Lions of Morocco drew first blood just six minutes into the contest when Achraf Hakimi unleashed a sumptuous right-footed volley from a corner kick to beat Lionel Mpasi.
Cedric Bakambu was presented with an opportunity to draw parity for the Leopards from the penalty spot. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) gave a penalty to the DR. Congo after an elbow from Moroccan midfielder Selim Amallah left Henoc Inonga with a bloodied face.
However, Galatasaray SK’s Bakambu could only find the woodwork with his spot-kick as Morocco remained in the lead at halftime.
The Congolese began to pile up more pressure on the Moroccan goal in the second proceeding, and their efforts were eventually rewarded. VfB Stuttgart striker Silas Mvumpa got an equalizer for the D.R. Congo on 76 minutes courtesy of a lovely cut-back from Meschack Elia.
Substitute Fiston Mayele nearly scored the winner for the D.R. Congo in the 90th minute before his ferocious effort was tipped over by shotstopper Yassine Bounou.
Emotions were in the air as the full-time whistle sparked a brawl between the two sides. The Atlas Lions thought they should have won a penalty in added time after a handball by the Leopards and were also frustrated by the time-wasting antics of the Central African side.
As it stands, both Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo remain in the qualification spots with four and two points, respectively. The Atlas Lions will finish off their group with a battle against Copper Bullets of Zambia, while the Leopards will take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
