The Democratic Republic of Congo opened up their 2017 African Cup of Nations on Monday with a 1-0 victory over Morocco to move to the top of Group C despite finishing with just 10 men.
Junior Kabananga Kalonji scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute as DR Congo picked up three points to move into first place in the group after defending champions Ivory Coast and Togo played a scoreless draw earlier in the evening.
Morocco was inches from grabbing the lead in the second minute but Mbark Boussoufa's strike hit the crossbar and Manuel Da Costa headed wide right in the box after 17 minutes.
DR Congo were the ones who scored the first goal 10 minutes after the re-start with a pass from the left touchline bouncing off the near post and out to Kalonji, who put home the rebound with a left foot volley just inside the same post.
Morocco were determined to pull a goal back but Youssef En-Nesyri failed to convert a double chance at the 70-minute mark.
The DR Congo defensive effort was made more difficult as substitute Joyce Lomalisa was sent off in the 81st minute with a second warning within seven minutes.
Morocco pushed everything forward but could not finish their best chance with DR Congo keeper Ley Matampi making a spectacular save on a point blank header by Youssef El Arabi in the 87th minute.
DR Congo held on for six minutes of stoppage time for the victory.
