DRC clobber Mali to take 2016 Chan crown

Jonathan Bolingi (L) added another goal as DRC thrashed Mali 3-0. File Photo

KIGALI.

Elia Mechack struck a brace and Jonathan Bolingi added another goal as DRC thrashed Mali 3-0 at Ahamoro Stadium, Kigali on Sunday to clinch their second African Nations Championship (Chan) title.

The victory for the Leopards also sees them pocket $750,000 prize money as they added to their first Chan trophy won in the inaugural edition in Ivory Coast 2009.

Played under sustained rain, with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Caf boss Issa Hayatou among the over 30, 000 spectators, both teams went for it early.

Mali’s Mamadou Coulibaly and Sekou Koita had chances to put the Eagles on the score sheet but couldn’t, while DRC’s Bolingi could only power his header over the bar when presented the opportunity to hurt early on.

But when the moment finally arrived, it came with splendour. Mechack, the Don Bosco winger, received the ball and made a run at Mali’s right back.

In an instant the Eagles’ defender lost Mechack, who had by now long turned and curled in a beautiful ball to the top left corner of Djigui Diarra for DRC’s 28th minute lead.

Mechack made it 2-0 after recess, running at and beating two Malian defenders before stroking home.
If just for emphasis, Bolingi completed the assignment late on, receiving a pass from Mechack on the 18-yard area before taking one step forward and powerfully burying it home for an easy 3-0 victory.
Earlier, Ivory Coast had ended their campaign with bronze after beating Guinea 2-1 to finish third.
Guinea had two penalties saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Abdoul Karim Cisse, the first taken by Ibrahima Sory Sankhon with scores goalless in the first half and the other by Alseny Camara after recess.
Aboubacar Leo Camara pulled one back for tournament debutants, Guinea, on 86 minutes but the Elephants of Ivory Coast held onto Guinea goalkeeper Aziz Keita’s own goal and Anicet Badie’s strike for their victory.

Third place play-off
Guinea 1-2 Ivory Coast

Final
DR Congo 3-0 Mali

Chan winners
2016: DRC
2014: Libya
2011: Tunisia
2009: DRC