Photos: DR Congo reclaim African Nations Championship title

DR Congo sealed their second African Nations Championships title when they defeated Mali 3-0 in a one-sided final at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium on Sunday. Meshack Elia scored a double and Jonathan Bolingi added a third as the Leopards overwhelmed the young Malian side under driving rain.

The champions, winners of the inaugural title in 2009, dominated the match and it was not a surprise when Elia put them ahead after 29 minutes.

The TP Mazembe star picked up a long ball down the left, before firing a thunderous shot past the Malian keeper.

Elia doubled the lead in the 62nd minute for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Mali’s best chance came in the 58th minute when substitute Kouame N’Guessan tried a long range shot which flew over the bar.

Bolingi ended all hopes for the Eagles with a third goal in the 73rd minute to crown the Leopards’ dominant display.

Ivory Coast took third spot after beating debutants Guinea 2-1 in the play-off. Guinea missed two penalties in the game. The first half was evenly match but Guinea were unlucky to fall behind when they conceded an own goal through Mohamed Youla after 32 minutes.

Gbagnon Badie increased the Elephants’ advantage with a powerful strike from the edge of the Guinea box.

Cisse then saved a second penalty to deny Alseny Camara in the second half.

Substitute Mohammed Thiam tried to bring Guinea back into the game but the AS Kaloum defender’s attempt was ruled offside.

In the closing stages, fellow defender Aboubacar Camara made no mistake when he drove a low header past Cisse to cut the deficit but Ivory Coast held on to secure third place.