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The Democratic Republic of Congo took a vital away point in Windhoek on Saturday to keep up their strong chances of finishing top of the standings in Group 10 of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Leopards forced a 1-1 draw away against Namibia in a thrilling match, watched by close to 10,000 spectators.
Midfielder Zola Matumona put the visitors ahead with a fine solo effort in the 27th minute, but lanky defender Michael Pienaar headed in the equaliser from a corner in the 40th minute.
The result leaves Namibia with only an outside chance of qualifying for the tournament in Ghana.
Namibia’s Jeremiah Mbaisako missed two early chances but Tresor Mputi, top goal scorer in this year’s MTN CAF Champions League, almost got the opener when he hit the crossbar from a free kick just outside Namibia’s penalty area.
Congo did draw first blood when Matomona received the ball in the middle of the park, beat a defender and unleashed a great shot from the edge of the box that gave Namibian keeper Abisai Shiningayamwe no chance.