A brace by Mechak Elia and another goal from Jonathan Bolingi was enough to crown the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) champions of the 2016 Orange African Nations Championship that has been taking place in Rwanda.
A brace by Mechak Elia and another goal from Jonathan Bolingi was enough to crown the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) champions of the 2016 Orange African Nations Championship that has been taking place in Rwanda.
Mechak Elia’s goals came in the 29th and 62nd minutes but his first half goal, a well curved shot is what brought the game on especially the crowd at Amahoro stadium that had braved the heavy rain and lightening.
Mali on several occasions tried to level the scores but Congolese keeper Ley Matampi was at his best, making save after save to deny the Malians any hope of coming back into the game.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of DRC but at the start of the second half, Mali looked the more ambitious side until Meschak Elia struck again in the 62 minute.
From here onwards, Mali never came close and DRC with majority of the fans behind them added a third goal through Jonathan Bolingi in the 73rd minute.
Twenty minutes later, South African referee, Daniel Frazer Bennet blew the final whistle and Amahoro stadium was lit with loud celebrations from both the players and fans.
DRC captain Joel Kimwaki , who is also the first player to lift the CHAN trophy twice (2009 AND 2016) won the CAF Fair Play Award.
His compatriot, Mechak Elia won the CAF player of the tournament. He was also joint top scorer of the 2016 Orange African Nations Championship with four goals.
Earlier, Cote d’Ivoire took bronze after beating CHAN debutants Guinea 2-1. Guinea on two occasions failed to score from the penalty spot.
The next Orange African Nations Championship takes place in Kenya in 2018.