Congo looks set for the quarterfinals after securing its first victory at the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for 41 years with an upset 1-0 win over favoured Gabon on Wednesday.
Gabon, who topped Group A after an opening victory over Burkina Faso, fell victim to a Prince Oniangue goal early in the second half and wayward finishing.
The vital win in Congo’s first appearance at AFCON since 2000 leaves Claude Le Roy’s team needing just a draw from its final group game against Burkina Faso to reach the quarterfinals.
Oniangue, who plays for Reims in the French top-flight, grabbed his goal after Gabon failed to clear a 48th minute corner.
Gabon should have levelled midway through the half when Frederic Bulot sent a shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Bulot’s first time volley early in the match had nearly put Gabon into an early lead but it was turned over the crossbar by Christoffer Mafoumbi in the Congo goal.
Mafoumbi also made a fine save from Gabon’s star player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after a free kick, but after the break Congo came more into the game and deserved its victory to move onto four points after two games.