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MO SALAH'S hopes of a first Africa Cup of Nations triumph are over after Egypt were knocked out by DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Liverpool forward Salah, 31, has been injured since his country's second game of the tournament but was targeting a return for the final should they make it through.

DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi scored the winning penalty to knock Egypt out
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DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi scored the winning penalty to knock Egypt outCredit: AP
DR Congo have not won Afcon since their second title in 1974
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DR Congo have not won Afcon since their second title in 1974Credit: Reuters
It was a shock exit for Egypt who have endured a torrid Africa Cup of Nations
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It was a shock exit for Egypt who have endured a torrid Africa Cup of NationsCredit: AP
Mo Salah watched on from Liverpool after picking up an injury in the group stage
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Mo Salah watched on from Liverpool after picking up an injury in the group stageCredit: AP
Egypt keeper Gabaski missed his spot kick before Mpasi's penalty sent DR Congo through
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Egypt keeper Gabaski missed his spot kick before Mpasi's penalty sent DR Congo throughCredit: AP

But it was not to be as DR Congo secured a shock 8-7 win on penalties after the last-16 match finished 1-1 after extra time.

Egypt keeper Gabaski clipped the crossbar with his spot kick in the ninth round of the shootout in San Pedro on Sunday.

His opposite number Lionel Mpasi then sent DR Congo through as the keeper converted the winning penalty to complete the upset.

It was a heartbreaking watch for the Egypt fans - who also saw their side reduced to 10 men in extra time when Mohamed Hamdy Sharaf was dismissed.

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Meschack Elia had given DR Congo the lead in the 37th minute, before Egypt levelled in first-half stoppage time through a Mostafa Mohamed penalty.

But it ultimately proved to be more Egyptian disappointment from 12 yards as they exited the competition without a win to their name.

It will be a devastating blow for Salah as his quest for a first Afcon crown goes on.

The Reds star is back in Liverpool receiving treatment on the hamstring injury he picked up during the group stage.

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And Egypt's 14-year wait for an eighth Afcon title goes on as they suffered more penalty devastation.

Salah and Co lost to Senegal in the final in 2022, enduring a 4-2 defeat in the shootout.

The Liverpool man was also a part of the Egypt side that were beaten 2-1 by Cameroon in the 2017 final.

But this time around they could not even book their place in the quarter-finals as DR Congo's sensational run continues.

They will now face Guinea in the last eight on Friday as they eye a first Afcon semi-final since 2015.

DR Congo have not won the competition since 1974.

Meanwhile, Salah has been forced to defend his decision to return to Liverpool for treatment after he faced criticism for leaving the Egypt camp.

Taking to social media, he said: "I started the treatment and rehabilitation program and I will do everything possible to be ready as soon as possible and return to the national team as was greed upon from the beginning.

"I also love  and its people."

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