DR Congo secured a spot in the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a goalless draw against Tanzania in Korhogo.
The outcome led to the elimination of the East Africans, who required a victory to advance themselves.
DR Congo secured a place in the last 16 with a point, finishing second in Group F behind Morocco, who claimed the top spot with a 1-0 win over Zambia.
The Leopards will now face Egypt in the knockout stage, while Morocco is set to take on South Africa.
The results in Group F also allowed tournament hosts Ivory Coast to sneak into the second round as the last of the four best third-placed teams.
The Elephants, having dismissed manager Jean-Louis Gasset earlier on Wednesday after finishing third in Group A, are scheduled to face defending champions Senegal in the last 16 on Monday.
Leopards have better of stalemate
In a lackluster encounter marked by a scarcity of clear chances, neither side came close to breaking the deadlock in what marked the first Nations Cup finals meeting between the two nations.
Encouraged by a vocal and vibrant set of supporters, significantly outnumbering Tanzania’s contingent, DR Congo held the upper hand in the opening period, creating better opportunities.
Gael Kakuta directed a free-kick straight at Taifa Stars goalkeeper Aishi Manula, who swiftly blocked Fiston Mayele’s attempt right on the edge of his penalty area.
Kakuta’s astute through ball then found Yoane Wissa’s run, but the Brentford forward’s shot lacked precision after cutting inside.
Tanzania’s captain, Mbwana Samatta, had the best chance for his side, spinning in the box to send a shot over from a tight angle. Clear-cut opportunities remained scarce in the second half until Wissa generated two late openings.
Initially, he forced another impressive save from the backpedaling Manula, compelling the goalkeeper into a full-length dive to deflect away an attempted chip.
Subsequently, he blazed over the goal after a scramble resulting from a corner. However, as a light mist descended on the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, neither team seemed poised to break the deadlock.
The outcome signifies Tanzania’s achievement of their first-ever clean sheet in the Nations Cup, although they continue to be winless in nine matches at the tournament, finishing at the bottom of their group once again.
Meanwhile, two-time winners DR Congo have advanced to the knockout stage for the fifth time in their last six appearances at the finals. They are optimistic about their prospects against an Egypt side missing Mohamed Salah when the two teams face off in San Pedro on Sunday at 20:00 GMT.