Salah's Afcon dreams pass as DR Congo's goalkeeper scores a dramatic winner in a shootout

MO SALAH'S hopes of a maiden Africa Cup of Nations victory have been dashed after Egypt were knocked out by DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Liverpool striker Salah, 31, has been injured since his country's second match of the tournament but was targeting a return for the final if they can get through.

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But that was not to be as DR Congo secured a shock 8-7 victory on penalties after the last 16 match ended 1-1 after extra time.

Egyptian goalkeeper Gabaski hit the crossbar with his penalty in the ninth round of the shootout in San Pedro on Sunday.

His counterpart Lionel Mpasi then sent DR Congo through as the keeper converted the winning penalty to complete the upset.

It was heartbreaking for the Egyptian fans, who also saw their team reduced to ten men in extra time when Mohamed Hamdy Sharaf was dismissed.

Meschack Elia had given DR Congo the lead in the 37th minute before Egypt leveled through Mostafa Mohamed's penalty in first-half stoppage time.

But it ultimately proved to be more of an Egyptian disappointment from 12 yards as they exited the competition without a win to their name.

It will be a devastating blow for Salah as his quest for a first Afcon crown continues.

The Reds star is back in Liverpool receiving treatment for the hamstring injury he suffered during the group stages.

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And Egypt's 14-year wait for an eighth Afcon title continues as the country piles up penalties.

Salah and Co lost to Senegal in the 2022 final, suffering a 4-2 shootout defeat.

The Liverpool man was also part of the Egyptian team that was beaten 2-1 by Cameroon in the 2017 final.

But this time they couldn't even book their place in the quarter-finals as DR Congo's sensational run continues.

They face Guinea in the last eight on Friday as they eye the Afcon semi-finals for the first time since 2015.

DR Congo has not won the competition since 1974.

Meanwhile, Salah was forced to defend his decision to return to Liverpool for treatment after being criticized for leaving the Egyptian camp.

He said on social media: “I have started the treatment and rehabilitation program and I will do everything possible to finish as soon as possible and return to the national team, as was greedy from the beginning.

“I also love Egypt and its people.”