Romelu Lukaku Reacts to Dr Congo’s Painful 2023 AFCON Exit

• Dr Congo were knocked out of AFCON by Ivory Coast in the semis
• The defeat Leopard’s first since the tournament started nearly a month ago
• Romelu Lukaku sent his message to DR Congo players after their exit

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s AFCON journey is over. They were beaten 1-0 by Ivory Coast in the semi-final on Wednesday, February 7.

AS Roma and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has sent his message of sympathy to DR Congo as they prepare to play South Africa in the third-place playoff against South Africa.

The Leopards had drawn their first four games at the tournament before an impressive 3-1 win over Guinea in the quarter-final. They drew against Zambia, Morocco, and Tanzania.

The two-time champions created good chances in the first half and even scored before it was chalked off by the referee, per BBC.

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Sebastien Haller scored in the 65th minute, and DR Congo were not able to pull off a comeback like they did against Guinea.

Before kick-off, DR Congo players covered their mouths and pointed at their heads, calling for peace in the eastern part of the country. Overall it was a great tournament for the Leopards, who were not given a chance of going deep into the tournament.

Lukaku congratulates Dr Congo

Lukaku reposted a picture of DR Congo players making the gesture on his Instagram story. he included a Free DRC hashtag.

« Proud of you guys. You’ve made an entire people very proud of you, » he wrote on Instagram.

Romelu’s father, Roger Lukaku, was born in DR Congo’s capital, Kinshasa and briefly played for the national team between 1993 and 1996, per FIFA.

Why DR Congo players covered their mouths

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Sports Brief earlier reported on why DR Congo players covered their mouths before their clash against Ivory Coast.

DR Congo coach, Sebastien Desabre said the team was highlighting the plight of the people in eastern DR Congo

« The national team is a symbol of national pride, and we wanted to use this opportunity tonight to highlight all the atrocities happening in Eastern DR Congo. »

Forward Cedric Bakambu echoed his coach’s message.

« Everyone sees the massacres in Eastern Congo. But everyone is silent. »