Congo lift 2016 Africa Nations Championship title

Elia Meschak put his team ahead in the 29th minute with a sensational strike from outside the area.

Doxa Gikanji, left, and Mechak Elia celebrate after a DR Congo goal in a 3-0 win vs. Mali in the African Nations Championship.

DRC doubled their advantage just after the hour mark and it was Elia who again found the back of the net, running onto a great through ball from midfield before rounding the goalkeeper and coolly finishing to make it 2-0.

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

DR Congo won the maiden title in 2009 hosted by this year’s third place finishers Ivory Coast, and it has taken the Central African side three editions to replicate that achievement.

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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.

Abdoulaye Samake was brought down in the penalty box in the 25th minute by Ivorian goalkeeper Abdoul Karim Cissse who was booked for the foul before he dived to the right to save Ibrahima Sory Sankhon’s attempt.

It was a case of deja vu for Guinea in the second half when Alseny Camara stepped up to take another penalty only to see Cisse save this one too.

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