DR Congo & Bongonda reach Africa Cup semifinals

On 2 February, two RPL players were involved in Africa Cup of Nations and Pre-Olympic Tournament matches.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Quarterfinals
DR Congo 3-1 Guinea

Spartak midfielder Theo Bongonda played 84 minutes against Guinea; this was his fourth appearance at Africa Cup, meanwhile he has not earned any goal or assist yet. DR Congo reach semifinals first time since 2015, and they will face winner of match between Mali and Cote-d’Ivoire on 7 February.

CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament

Group B
Argentina U-23 3-3 Uruguay U-23

Dynamo defender Nicolas Marichal helped Uruguay to come back against Argentina; he made an assist for second goal in the end of first half, when La Celeste were trailing 1-3. Uruguay finished fourth in the group with four points, the qualification is over for Marcelo Bielsa team. Marichal participated in all four matches; he spent 90 minutes in three of them, the only time player was replaced is match against Chile.

Whom to follow on 3 February

Both Asian Cup quarterfinals on Saturday will have RPL players. Iran with Rostov midfielder Mohammad Mohebi will go against Japan, and Uzbekistan with Rubin defender Rustam Ashurmatov and CSKA midfielder Abbos Fayzullaev will face tournament hosts Qatar.

At Africa Cup of Nations the quarterfinals also will continue, as Cape Verde with Krasnodar midfielder Kevin Lenini will play against South Africa.