New Columbus Crew SC signing Cedrick Mabwati and the Democratic Republic of the Congo crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, coming up short in their bid for the tournament title after falling 3-1 to Ivory Coast in the semifinals.
Cedrick started and played 74 minutes in the loss on Wednesday. He and DR Congo will conclude their Africa Cup of Nations run on Saturday, when they’ll take on the loser of the Ghana-Equatorial Guinea semifinal in the third-place match.
DR Congo fell behind early on Wednesday, going down 1-0 in the 20th minute when Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure buried a half-volley from distance.
DR Congo were able to equalize two minutes later, with forward Dieumerci Mbokani burying a penalty kick after an Ivory Coast defender handled a cross in the box.
The Ivory Coast re-took the lead 20 minutes later when Gervinho curled a shot into the far corner moments after he had a header cleared off the line. Wilfried Kanan added an insurance goal in the 68th minute, making it 3-1 and securing Ivory Coast’s place in Sunday’s final.
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Columbus acquired Cedrick last week via transfer with Spanish club Real Betis. The 22-year-old attacker will return to Spain after the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing out the current European season with second-division side Osasuna, where he is on loan from Betis, before joining Crew SC this summer.
Chicago Fire Designated Player David Accam is the lone MLS player remaining at the Africa Cup of Nations. He and the Black Stars will take on hosts Equatorial Guinea in the semifinals on Thursday.
