Brave Congo bow out

30 June 2011

Congo have bowed out of the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Mexico after a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Uruguay.

The African side took the lead in the second half, but were unable to hold on to their advantage and exited at the Last 16 stage.

Congo had the first real opportunity of the game as Bel Epako fired in a shot from distance that was saved by Uruguayan keeper Jonathan Cubero.

Cisse Bassoumba then nearly put the ball into his own net as his defensive header flashed just wide, Rodrigo Aguirre tested the reflexes of Congo keeper Chill Ngakosso.

Maximiliano Moreira and Aguirre then both hit the crossbar as the Congo goal led a charmed life just before halftime.

But the African side were much better in the second period and took a deserved lead as Hardy Binguila smashed the ball past Cubero on the volley after a poor Uruguyan clearance.

Moreira equalised for the South Americans 12 minutes later though as he connected with Aguirre’s cross, before Uruguay found their winner four minutes from time.

Gaston Silva’s free-kick took a big deflection and left keeper Ngakosso with no chance of making the save.

It means Cote d’Ivoire are Africa’s only representatives remaining in the competition and they take on France on Thursday in their Last 16 clash.

The winner of that meeting will take on either hosts Mexico or surprise package Panama in the quarterfinals.