CHAN 2016 -DR Congo overcome Mali to lift their second trophy

Democratic Republic of Congo players hoist the CHAN 2016 trophy aloft at Amahoro stadium

A brace by Mechak Elia and another by Jonathan Bolingi handed the Democratic Republic of Congo a 3-0 win over Mali at the final of 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) on Sunday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali Rwanda.

In the presence of 35,000 spectators, 90 percent of those Congo fans, and 21,000 of them enduring the heavy downpour, Congo were applauded every minute as the side wrote history.

The script was the same on the field of play as the 2009 winners forced their way through Mali's defense from the onset.

Although on the other hand, both teams were denied their styles of play by a slippery pitch as the game unfolded under heavy downpours.

After 28 minutes, Congo got the breakthrough when Mechak Elia opened down the left wing, beating his marker before sending a powerful shot past Djgui Diarra.

Mali's attack struggled to match Congo's defense before the latter doubled their lead after 62 minutes.

The same man Elia drifted from the left, taking advantage of Mali's defensive lapse.

He even had time to beat Djgui Diarra and shoot in an empty net, as Congo led 2-0.

Mali lost the fighting power and with 18 minutes left on the clock, Congo launched an onslaught again with brilliant passes, Jonathan Bolingi finishing in style for a 3-0 advantage.

The outfit became the first team to win two Chan titles since it's inception in 2009.

DR Congo Starting XI:

Ley Matampi, Juinor Baometu, Joyce Lomalisa, Mechak Elia, Zacharie Mombo, Doxa Gikanji, Nelson Munganga, Merveille Bope, Joel Kimwaki, Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi, Yannick Bangala

Subs: Padou Bompunga, Christian Ngudikama, Frank Mfuki, Sedrick Ngulubi, Christian Ngimbi, Ricky Tulenge, Jean Marc Makusu, Guelord Landu, Miche Mika, Guy Lusadisu, Heritier Nke

Mali starting XI: Djugui Diarra, Issaka Samake, Hamidou Coulibaly, Massaba Samake, Moussa Sissoko, Mamadou Doumbia, Aliou Dieng, Abdoulaye Diarra, Abdoul Karim Kante, Sekou Koita

Subs: Samuel Diarra, Ousmane Diarra, Abdoulaye Traore, Assoko Hamed Marius, Diarra Sekou, Abdoul Toure, Yves Bissouma, Lamine Traore, Oumar Kone, N'guessan Kouame, Yaya Samake, Alassane Diallo

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