DR Congo Coach Ibenge: Ghana Deserved To Win

The DR Congo boss believes the Black Stars were on top in Sunday's Afcon encounter.

DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge says Ghana were the better side following the Leopards' quarterfinal elimination at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The Central Africans suffered a 2-1 defeat at Stade d'Oyem on Sunday, effectively crashing their hopes of winning the continental title for the third time.

Andre Ayew fetched the match winner from the spot on 78 minutes after Paul-Jose M'Poku cancelled out Jordan Ayew's opener.

“Congratulation to Ghana, they deserve the win," Ibenge said.

"They played good football and scored good goals as well.

“I wish them well in their next game against Cameroon. 

"They came into the game very strong and wanted to win and they were able to win. Congratulations to them.

“For us, we have to go back and learn and correct our mistakes.

"We have a young team, so we will learn and come back again.”

DR Congo finished top of Group C, which also contained reigning champions Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco and Togo, to reach the last eight.

Ghana, by their victory, play Cameroon in the semi-finals in Franceville on Thursday.