Niger earn first Afcon point in stalemate with DRC

Save of the match: Niger goalkeeper Daouda Kassaly’s double save to deny Bezua Mbokani in the first half.

Miss of the match: DR Congo striker Mbokani blasted the ball against the keeper at close range in a one-on-one.

Niger earned their first Africa Cup of Nations point following a 0-0 draw against the DR Congo.

Thanks to brilliant goalkeeping, there was no way that even the deadliest striker would score on the night.

The Leopards had two clear chances to score in the first half but their trusted striker Bezua Mbokani was denied by brave goalkeeping by Niger goalie Daouda Kassaly.

Mena were also denied scoring chances, not only by the presence of Robert Kidiaba in the DRC goal, but by the upright as well.

This was after striker Modibo Sedibe’s curled shot bounced off the woodwork when Kidiaba was well beaten.

Niger’s other opportunities fell to their captain Moussa Maazou but the tall striker was hesitant in front of goal.

A draw was still an achievement for Niger as the tournament in South Africa is their second appearance since debut at the previous edition co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in 2012.

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