Afcon quarter-final: Tunisia v Eq Guinea

1. Balboa free-kick seals win for Eq Guinea
2. Tunisia ranked 96 places higher than hosts
3. Congo 2-4 DR Congo
4. LeRoy's Congo had led 2-0

Goodbye

A stat to leave you with: that is the fourth consecutive Afcon quarter-final in which Tunisia have been involved in which they have been eliminated after extra time. It didn't seem probable with 89 minutes gone in this match.

But it is Equatorial Guinea who advance to the semis, where they will face Guinea or Ghana.

We'll be back tomorrow for more quarter-final action. Join us for Ghana v Guinea at around 15:30 GMT. See you then.

Scenes in Bata

Football writer Jonathan Wilson on Twitter: Tunisians pursue Seechurn off the pitch. Police try to get in the way. Players and stewards fighting. Extraordinary.

Football writer Jonny Singer on Twitter: A bottle thrown at the Tunisians as they leave the pitch. One of them hurls it back at fans. No-one covered in glory, Tunisians a disgrace.

BBC Sport

It seems almost silly to try to reduce a match like that to stats, but for what it's worth it was a remarkably even game overall.

Tunisia were the better side in normal time, but Equatorial Guinea redressed the balance in extra time. Of course, whether we should even have been playing extra time is another matter.

So, Equatorial Guinea, ranked 118 in the world, progress to the last four, and there must be admiration for that.

Tunisia were desperately disappointing for much of that game and they did not respond well to going behind.

But - and it's a big but - they were on the receiving end of a dreadful decision from the referee for the Equatorial Guinea equaliser, and they probably have a right to feel robbed.

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Emmanuel: The refereeing in that game was disgraceful. Tunisia were hard done by but it's a great moment for Equatorial Guinea.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"This should be a celebration. This is an incredible feat. Instead it leaves a sour taste in the mouth. There were five or six Tunisia players charging after the referee down the tunnel. We are not going to hear the end of this for a very long time. The referee has not helped the game at all. No-one has got a grip between the benches of both teams and it has descended into pandemonium. It has been chaos."

FULL-TIME

AFP

It's all over. Curiously, the referee doesn't even allow the full two minutes of stoppage time to be played, despite that huge stoppage for the minor scuffle. Tunisia's Hamza Mathlouthi screams abuse in the referee's face. All very unseemly.

Equatorial Guinea are in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time, but this controversy will rumble on, you sense.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"I think they will refer to this as the battle of Bata in the future. It has become very unseemly."

HANDBAGS

Tempers are boiling over again. All sorts of mayhem in the dugout, Ivan Edu is punched off the ball, now the two coaches are trading verbals. What will the referee make of this? Nothing it seems.

Two added minutes. Two minutes for Tunisia to save themselves...

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Sarah Morgan: I prefer an underdog to triumph through their own talent, not lousy officiating.

CLOSE!

What a chance. What a chance. Aymen Abdennour's long throw is inexplicably allowed to bounce, Youssef Msakni swings at it in the six-yard box but Rui Garcia gets a superb block in. From the corner, Equatorial Guinea get a free-kick.

Good work by Tunisia skipper Yacine Chikhaoui on the edge of the area, but his attempted through-ball is cut out. Time ticking away for Tunisia...

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

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"It was an excellent delivery, the sort of thing we saw Rory Delap do at Stoke City many times over the years. It was a good effort but lacked the power in the end but it was an opportunity and one that has gone begging."

A long throw from Aymen Abdennour gives Ferjani Sassi half a sight of goal, but his header is gratefully grasped by Felipe Ovono. Was that the chance for Tunisia?

Miraculously, Felipe Ovono is alive and well and ready to continue. There could be plenty of added time for the home fans to endure though.

It's a very decent effort from Ali Maaloul, who brings a flying save from Felipe Ovono, who has somehow injured himself in the act. Another stoppage...

Substitute Youssef Msakni is taken down by Javier Bolado, and Tunisia have a free-kick in a position not dissimilar to that from which Javier Balboa scored.

AFP

It has to be said that whilst that penalty decision was a shocker, Tunisia have not reacted well to the injustice. They're pressing now though, but Mohamed Moncer's cross is headed out by Javier Balboa.

Equatorial Guinea are understandably keen to take time out of the game - a challenge on Ivan Edu brings another prolonged stoppage for nothing in particular. The referee has lost control of this one.

Tunisia try to hit substitute striker Amine Chermiti with a long ball, but it's comfortably claimed by Felipe Ovono.

KICK-OFF

Back under way in a raucous Estadio de Bata, not before the referee gets confused about who is supposed to be kicking off. It's Equatorial Guinea, Mr Seechurn.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

Reuters

"Tunisia have the quality to go a long way in this competition but if they are lacking the focus, it is not going to help them in these final 15 minutes."

HALF-TIME

The first half of extra time is over. Tunisia - who let's not forget are ranked 96 places above Equatorial Guinea - have 15 minutes to avoid the mother of all shocks and spoil the hosts' party.

SUBSTITUTION

Tunisia coach Georges Leekens rolls the dice for one final time. Centre-back Mohamed Yakoubi is off, midfielder Youssef Msakni sprints on.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"The fairytale is on and that was a fairytale finish. Inch perfect, right into the top corner and a quality goal from a player who used to be on the books of Real Madrid. This stadium has erupted and how he celebrated. A beautiful finish and Equatorial Guinea are barely 20 minutes away from being one of the top four teams in Africa."

GOAL

AP

Oh my lord, Bata is going absolutely mental. Javier Balboa, who has been Equatorial Guinea's best player, bends an absolute peach of a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner. Stunner. The hosts are in dreamland - can they hold on?

Balboa joins Ahmed Akaichi and Thievy Bifouma at the top of the goalscoring charts.

AFP

AP

A great driving run from Javier Balboa takes him to the edge of the Tunisia area, before he's chopped down by a cynical bodycheck from Aymen Abdennour. The Tunisians incredulously surround the referee but he's right on this occasion - free-kick.

This, by the way, is the fourth successive time that an Afcon quarter-final involving Tunisia has gone to extra time. The Carthage Eagles have lost the last three.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

AP

"Have you seen a Tunisia attack in this first half of extra time? No is the simple answer. They are not pressing forward, whether that is because they think Equatorial Guinea will tire or whether they think they will have more success in a penalty shootout I don't know but it is a dangerous game to play."

All Equatorial Guinea. Viera Ellong lines up a shot from range, but it's always rising. Esteban Becker applauds the intent though.

Ivan Bolado skips away from a challenge on the edge of the area and has a shot deflected behind. The corner comes to nothing, but the hosts are pressing, with their substitutes, including Ivan Edu and Bolado, to the fore.

The hosts are on the front foot at the start of extra time. Ivan Edu is almost slipped through the middle, the ball breaks to Ivan Bolado but a desperate block just takes the sting out of his shot. Tunisia need to get going again.

Reuters

An early free-kick on the right flank for Equatorial Guinea. It's whipped in by Javier Balboa, but comfortably headed clear.

KICK-OFF

We're back under way. Can Tunisia keep their heads? Can Equatorial Guinea keep the momentum?

We're just getting another look at the penalty incident. There really was nothing in the challenge from Ali Maaloul on Ivan Bolado. Referee Rajindraprasad Seechurn was in a good position, he just got it wrong. And so we have extra time...

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Football writer Jonathan Wilson: Tunisia, 1-0 up and cruising, have contrived to create an atmosphere in which they could lose, with a ref who's sick of them. Stupidity.

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Festus Abrah-Yeboah: What a horrendous penalty decision! Anyway, if Equatorial Guinea manages to go through, Ghana will place them where they belong!

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"It has been an extraordinary match. It looked like Tunisia had it all wrapped up and then the referee intervened. Who knows how the next 30 minutes are going to unfold?"

FULL-TIME

What an ending. Equatorial Guinea are improbably, perhaps undeservedly, still alive in this tournament. Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi lambasts the referee as they walk off, and you can understand his frustration.

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Zeiyad Y: Referee having a shocker I'm afraid, too many bad decisions.

HANDBAGS

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The referee is struggling to keep a lid on this, Tunisia tempers are boiling over. A challenge from Ivan Edu earns him a yellow card and starts a mini-brawl. The Equatorial Guinea striker is eventually booked. He'll miss the semi if they make it.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"It is a noise and a half in this stadium and it looks like we are heading for an extra half hour here."

The Tunisians are still furious as we restart. Oles ringing out around the Estadio de Bata. We're heading for extra time. Five added minutes, three remain.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

Getty Images

"It is an extraordinary end to this match. The Tunisia players are still complaining."

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Simon: How on this planet was that a penalty?

GOAL

AFP

There are lasers shining in the eyes of Tunisia keeper Aymen Mathlouthi as Javier Balboa prepares to take the spot-kick. When he gets his chance, he waits for the keeper to commit and then rolls it the other way.

It's Equatorial Guinea's first goal in the knockout stages of a major tournament - but boy is it a controversial one.

PENALTY to Equatorial Guinea

Ivan Bolado dribbles into the area, tumbles under the challenge of Ali Maaloul - the referee says penalty!

The Tunisians are furious - that looked like a dive.

Time running out for the hosts. Have they got one last chance in them?

SUBSTITUTION

Double change for Tunisia - Mohamed Ali Moncer and Amine Chermiti are on for Wahbi Khazri and Ahmed Akaichi.

And the hosts make their last switch, Sipo off, Ruben Belima on.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"Absolutely vital save. He has only had one big one to make in this game and he made it count. Top goalkeeping."

CLOSE!

AFP

Big, big chance for the hosts. Ivan Edu slips Emilio Nsue through with a great through-ball, he gets a shot away but is denied by a brilliant sprawling save by Aymen Mathlouthi. Iban Bolado was free in the centre if he'd squared it...

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"Given the fact they have created the clearer opportunities Tunisia deserve to go through. They have caused Equatorial Guinea problems."

Ten minutes for the hosts to save themselves. What have they got left?

SUBSTITUTION

There's a change for the hosts, Randy making way for Iban Bolado.

Tunisia are knocking on the door now. Yacine Chikhaoui tricks his way to the byline and pulls it back for Ahmed Akaichi, who is denied by a desperate block.

AFP

This game has opened up. A barnstorming run takes Ahmed Akaichi into the penalty area, but his finish drifts weakly across the face of goal.

HANDBAGS

Tunisia skipper Yacine Chikhaoui gets involved in a bit of nonsense with Equatorial Guinea striker Ivan Edu. Tunisia just have to keep their heads here. Can the hosts muster an improbable comeback?

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

AP

"When Ahmed Akaichi was celebrating, one of his team-mates just chopped him down with his foot. Not the best thing to do with 20 minutes left to play."

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"The stadium has gone absolutely silent."

GOAL

AFP

Hamza Mathlouthi has been a good outlet from right-back all evening, and it's he who creates the goal. He charges into acres of space on the flank and whips a devilish cross into the six-yard box which is cleverly turned in by Ahmed Akaichi.

Akaichi joins Thievy Bifouma at the top of goalscoring charts with three.

CLOSE!

AP

Ivan Edu's free-kick poses no danger at all until it is inexplicably headed by Aymen Abdennour. Luckily his unwitting intervention is straight at his own keeper.

YELLOW CARD

Hamza Mathlouthi unleashes a daisy-cutter from 25 yards, which Equatorial Guinea keeper Felipe Ovono fumbles as Ahmed Akaichi slides in on him. The keeper writhes around like an overacting extra in Casualty, drawing a yellow card for Akaichi.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"Much Edu about nothing."

From the free-kick, Ivan Edu's curling delivery finds the head of Ivan Zarandona, but the curly-mopped midfielder can only nod over.

YELLOW CARD

More excellent work from Equatorial Guinea's brightest spark Javier Balboa, who draws a wild challenge from Mohamed Yakoubi. He's lucky to only get a yellow, that was an ugly lunge.

Reuters

BBC Sport's John Bennett: This game is a good advert for the Asian Cup. Anyone want to win???

SUBSTITUTION

Can Ivan Edu add some excitement to this match? The young Equatorial Guinea striker gets his chance, replacing Raul Bosio.

Tunisia midfielder Wahbi Khazri has been at the heart of what little action there has been in this match, and he takes it on himself to inject some life into this second half, sending a fizzing long-range shot just past Felipe Ovono's left-hand post.

Equatorial Guinea keeper Felipe Ovono takes a huge gamble here, racing out of his area to intercept a through-ball intended for Wahbi Khazri, but he does well to get there ahead of the Tunisia player and defuse the danger.

Reuters

Better from Equatorial Guinea. Randy slips a nice through-ball in towards Emilio Nsue, but Aymen Abdennour does well to nip across and shut the door.

Football writer Jonathan Wilson on Twitter: Can we not just draw lots?

GREAT SAVE!

Felipe Ovono, take a bow. Tunisia skipper Yacine Chikhaoui drives down the left flank and pulls it back for Ahmed Akaichi, who rifles a shot towards goal, but the Equatorial Guinea keeper leaps brilliantly to tip it over. Great stop.

Getty Images

The hosts, by the way, have now gone two and a half matches without conceding since shipping a late equaliser to Congo in their first match. No real sign so far of an increase on the slow tempo of the first half, I'm afraid to report.

Equatorial Guinea have an early free-kick on the right flank. They've had plenty, but the practice doesn't seem to be doing them any good - Kike's delivery is poor. Tunisia break upfield through right-back Hamza Mathlouthi, who's been lively, but Viera Ellong halts his run.

KICK-OFF

Here we go again. Can Equatorial Guinea pull off a huge upset?

So, it was a rather scrappy first half, if we're being honest. Neither team got into a rhythm, not helped by the high foul count: 23, of which Tunisia committed 19. Niggly.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"It has been a fascinating first half, although there's been no goals or many chances. If you didn't know otherwise, you would never guess there was such a massive gulf between these teams."

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"Tunisia coach Georges Leekens is furious, hands on hips at the end of his technical area. I think he's angry with some refereeing decisions but it wouldn't surprise me if he is furious with his players. They need to be more efficient and effective."

HALF-TIME

As we saw in today's first game, sometimes it takes a goal to bring both teams out of their shell. We haven't had one yet in Bata, and both teams have been tentative. Let's hope it perks up after the break - would a repeat of the earlier six-goal thriller be too much to ask?

Two added minutes. Georges Leekens almost has a heart attack on the sidelines as a long free-kick causes chaos in the Tunisia penalty area. Mohamed Yakoubi slices it out for a throw-in.

AFP

Equatorial Guinea have certainly had their fair share of free-kicks in this half. Javier Balboa overhits the latest one straight into the gloves of Aymen Mathlouthi. Poor. Tunisia then counter swiftly through the pace of Ahmed Akaichi, but he can't pick out a man in the box.

Again Equatorial Guinea try to embarrass Aymen Mathlouthi. This time Viera Ellong spots the Tunisia keeper off his line and attempts an audacious lob, but it drifts comfortably over.

CLOSE!

Out of nowhere, a chance for Equatorial Guinea. Randy hoists a long free-kick into the box, Tunisia keeper Aymen Mathlouthi doesn't get good distance on his punch and Javier Balboa fires in an effort from the edge of the area which is cleared off the line with the keeper stranded.

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Both teams have given the ball away far too easily in this half. Tunisia turn it over on halfway, allowing Equatorial Guinea the chance to counter, but they take too long to work an opening and waste the opportunity,

Hamza Mathlouthi is being afforded plenty of space to rampage forward from right-back, but on this occasion his cross is deflected out of the path of Ahmed Akaichi. Equatorial Guinea are living a little dangerously here.

BBC

CLOSE!

That's the clearest chance of the match so far. Ahmed Akaichi swings in a delicious cross from the right which bisects the centre-backs and drops onto the head of the onrushing Ferjani Sassi, but he narrowly misses the target with his stooping header.

Getty Images

Wahbi Khazri, the game's most prominent player so far, makes a good run infield and bundles his way through a weak challenge by Ivan Zarandona before offloading a shot which is deflected behind. Tunisia infringe at the corner and Equatorial Guinea can release the pressure.

After their promising start, Equatorial Guinea are just being forced onto the back foot. Tunisia aren't creating much though, despite their pressure. We had a slow burner earlier on, this one is much the same so far.

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AP

Festus Abrah-Yeboah: This is a decent chance for Equatorial Guinea to redeem themselves to make up for the last tournament's disappointment at the quarter-final

Right-back Hamza Mathlouthi gets forward well for Tunisia and curls in a nice cross. It comes out to Ferjani Sassi, who tees up Wahbi Khazri for a volley that flies well over.

Tunisia midfielder Wahbi Khazri has gone down in a heap off the ball - some suggestion that he may have rather exaggerating a slight brush against an Equatorial Guinea player. The referee isn't buying it though. Tunisia are trying to slow the game down here, perhaps in order to take the sting out of the home-crowd advantage.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

AP

"I wonder if Tunisia have decided they need to rough these guys up a bit. They're pumped up for this. Maybe they're getting rattled by the fact they haven't been as dominant as they might have expected. It's been an even match so far."

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"The reason Aymen Abdennour went in there is because Felipe Ovono dropped the ball. It didn't look like very much to me. He got him on the arm. Unless something remarkable happened that hasn't been caught by close-up cameras, it's hard to see why he's on the floor in pain. He's strapped up on his left arm already, maybe that's a reason."

AFP

Goodness me, Wahbi Khazri's inswinging corner causes all sorts of problems for Equatorial Guinea keeper Felipe Ovono, who very nearly drops it at the feet of Aymen Abdennour. He seems to be hurt in the ensuing stramash, so on comes the physio to administer a bit of treatment. He's OK though.

Apart from that early scare, Equatorial Guinea have settled well. They certainly don't look overawed, either by the size of the occasion or the reputation of their opponents. And as I write that, they put a lovely move together, Javier Balboa exchanging a give-and-go with Emilio Nsue before ever-so-slightly overhitting a teasing cross.

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BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

Getty Images

"It's a big day for the referee - the pressure from the crowd will be enormous. Tunisia felt he didn't deal with it well there. It makes life very difficult for Hocine Ragued."

YELLOW CARD

Tunisia don't learn their lesson. Hocine Ragued puts in a crunching challenge on Viera Ellong, and picks up the first booking of the night.

Equatorial Guinea are winning plenty of free-kicks in the early stages. Giant striker Raul Bosio holds the ball up well and draws a foul from Aymen Abdennour, but the set piece comes to nothing.

Nervy moments for the hosts. Tunisia left-back Ali Maaloul is allowed to saunter down the flank and trundle in a dangerous low cross towards Yasine Chikhaoui, which Sipo does very well to clear from almost under his own crossbar.

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Alasdair B: DR Congo beat Congo 4-2. If that doesn't illustrate the benefit of a university education, I'll never know what does.

Emilio Nsue, the Equatorial Guinea skipper, wins a corner down the left. It's whipped into a dangerous area by Javier Balboa, but Tunisia manage to clear. Promising start from the hosts.

KICK-OFF

Tunisia get us going - they're in white, the hosts in red.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

Getty Images

"What an atmosphere inside the stadium; everyone inside the stadium clapping their hands. That put a tingle down my spine. They have only ever been at this stage - when they hosted it in 2012. But it didn't end well that time, losing 3-0 to Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast.

"But that game was in Malabo but this one is in Bata - where they have never lost a Cup of Nations game."

Anthem time in Bata. Tunisia go first, and then there's a thunderous rendition of the Equatoguinean anthem, the brilliantly titled 'Caminemos pisando las sendas de nuestra inmensa felicidad', or 'Let Us Tread the Path of Our Immense Happiness'.

It gets the whole stadium going. Rousing.

Hosts aim to keep dream alive

As you know, Equatorial Guinea are the host nation for this tournament, and they're desperate to avoid leaving their own party early.

Striker Emilio Nsue says playing in front of home fans is "an amazing, brilliant experience for me and for us [as a team]".

He added: "That Equatorial Guinea are in the quarter-finals is a dream. To be here and to win for all the Guinean people - if we can win tomorrow, our people have to be happy. We are a small country but our heart is very big."

Tunisia might be ranked well above their adversaries, but coach Georges Leekens is treating Equatorial Guinea with plenty of respect.

"They have a balanced team and are so fast in attack," he said. "They have posted a fantastic performance beyond most expectations."

BBC Radio

Matthew Kenyon and Piers Edwards are commentating on today's games live for BBC World Service - you can hear this on your wireless if you are in Africa.

We will bring you their thoughts on the game throughout our live text today.

LINE-UPS

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Join the debate at #bbcafcon2015

So who are you backing in this one? Can the hosts Equatorial Guinea possibly go all the way or does their adventure end today?

Who do you fancy to win the tournament at this stage?

Let us know your thoughts using #bbcafcon2015 on Twitter.

Tunisia target last four spot

Getty Images

Tunisia were solid rather than spectacular as they won Group B to advance to the knockout stages. They drew with Cape Verde and DR Congo, who we saw in action a little earlier, and beat Zambia to seal their progress.

However, the Carthage Eagles are one of the tournament's highest-ranked teams - at 22nd in the Fifa ratings, they are almost 100 places ahead of today's opponents.

And Georges Leekens's side have another reason to be confident against the hosts - they faced Equatorial Guinea in 2014 World Cup qualification, winning one match and drawing the other.

However, they have failed to advance to the semi-finals in their last three Afcon quarter-finals.

National Thunder look to roll on

Getty Images

Equatorial Guinea have never been beyond the last eight of an Africa Cup of Nations. The National Thunder are the lowest-ranked side at this competition (118th in the world, according to Fifa) but they belied that lowly status to qualify impressively from Group A, holding Congo and Burkina Faso and beating Gabon.

Coach Esteban Becker was only appointed 11 days before the start of the tournament - surely he couldn't lead his unfancied side all the way to the semi-finals? One thing is for sure: the host nation will go mad if he does.

Reuters

Hello and welcome back to our live coverage of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. It's now time to turn our attention to the second quarter-final, featuring hosts Equatorial Guinea and Group B winners Tunisia.

The winners will advance to the semi-finals, where they will face Ghana or Guinea.

We're putting this live to bed briefly so you can enjoy Chelsea v Manchester City. We'll be back at 19:00 GMT for Equatorial Guinea v Tunisia. Join us then.

BBC Sport

It was an even game in terms of possession, but DR Congo created more chances and fully deserved that breathless victory.

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Mamadi Sirleaf: The pace of Yannick Bolasie and DRC is paying off. They are most outstanding team at this tournament. DR Congo to be champ.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"An extraordinary display of attacking prowess by Dieumerci Mbokani and Neeskens Kebano. The defences left massive questions to be answered. DR Congo gave away the two goals they conceded but they really got it together. Congo gifted them the one goal, and arguably the second two. But the last two were brilliantly worked. In the end DR Congo definitely deserved to go through.

"Claude LeRoy is out on the field thanking his players. It was an entertaining game but a futile attempt to get through.

"Most of the fans here are here for the second semi-final. They have been royally entertained."

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"DR Congo's Leopards are roaring again. Robert Kidiaba dancing again but the rest of the DR Congo players sportingly going to Congo boss Claude LeRoy. Hugs all round.

"We know the first semi-finalists and we didn't need lots."

FULL-TIME

All over in Bata. The match of the tournament without doubt, and it is DR Congo who advance to the semi-finals after a simply stunning comeback. Goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba is doing his famous 'bum shuffle' celebration, while defender Jean Kasusula weeps with joy. DR Congo are in the last four for the first time since 1998, and you can see what it means.

Four added minutes, but surely Congo have too much to do now.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"If Neeskens Kebano doesn't start in the semi-final I'll be very surprised, He created that one. It's 4-2 - Congo are finished. This is a game and a half."

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"What a famous win for DR Congo. They are dancing away to my left. Robert Kidiaba is dancing on his bottom in the penalty area. DR Congo's first semi-final since 1998."

GOAL

AFP

That seals it. DR Congo break at pace, substitute Neeskens Kebano slips a pass through the middle to Dieumerci Mbokani, who holds off the Congo defenders and slips the ball past Christoffer Mafoumbi at the second time of asking. Congo have crumpled like a cardboard box that's been left out in the rain.

SUBSTITUTION

Cedric Makiadi, who has been excellent for DR Congo, is replaced by Nelson Omba.

Three minutes plus added time left. Can Congo find an equaliser?

Twitter

Twitter

This is the first match which has produced five goals at this tournament. And there's almost another as Yannick Bolasie hares through an undermanned Congo defence, but he can only roll a tame effort into the grateful clutches of Christoffer Mafoumbi.

SUBSTITUTION

Congo coach Claude LeRoy rolls the dice. Arnold Moutou and Franci Litsingi are withdrawn, Fabrice Ondama and Cesar Gandze are on.

YELLOW CARD

Congo midfielder Delvin Ndinga goes into the book for a needless trip.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"It's a superb comeback. Going 2-0 down liberated DR Congo - they had to go for it and they did as soon as the second goal in. Congo weren't able to calm things down and let things rest for five minutes."

GOAL

Sorry Congo fans, perhaps the signs weren't so good. Dieumerci Mbokani wins his umpteenth free-kick of the match, Cedric Mabwati curls it in, and a glancing header from substitute Joel Kimuaki nestles in the far corner. What a turnaround.

Can Congo pick themselves up from that bodyblow? The early signs are good - Dimitri Bissiki sends over a hanging cross from the left to the far post, which is headed over by Thievy Bifouma.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"Congo coach Claude LeRoy is furious with the fourth official. Ferebory Dore was off injured and Dominique Malonga was ready to come on. There was a break in play but the fourth official wasn't ready. Malonga is a big guy, he could have been useful in that defence there."

GOAL

AFP

Jeremy Bokila has missed a few, but finally he sends the DR Congo bench into raptures. First of all he forces a good save from Christoffer Mafoumbi, but Delvin Ndinga doesn't clear from the box and when the ball is smuggled back through to Bokila, he finds the roof of the net with a sweet strike. Have Congo blown it?

SUBSTITUTION

Congo striker Ferebory Dore is being removed on a stretcher with what appears to be cramp. Dubious. Hibernian's Dominique Malonga is ready to come on in his place.

DR Congo's Yannick Bolasie has come to life. He switches flanks, beats Dimitri Bissiki on the right and delivers a peach of a cross for Jeremy Bokila, who sends a stooping header wide. Blockbuster last 20 minutes in prospect here.

BBC

They'd take a draw now...

CLOSE!

And now a big chance up the other end as Ferebory Dore is inches from connecting with a killer cross from the right. Any touch there was a goal for Congo.

SUBSTITUTION

Amidst all that excitement, DR Congo bring on Neeskens Kebano for Cedric Mabwati.

CLOSE!

And now DR Congo should be level! Panic stations in the Congo defence as Dieumerci Mbokani heads a long ball across the face of goal and Jeremy Bokila, arriving at pace, can only sidefoot it past the post from six yards. He had to score there.

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Reuters

Festus Abrah-Yeboah: Congo vs Congo :) more like a Continental derby ;) I tip the DR. of the two to edge it with a thriller at the end.

GOAL

Reuters

Game over? Game on! Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie shows electric pace to beat Marvin Baudry down the inside-left channel, and his cutback is turned in by Dieumerci Mbokani from three yards.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

Getty Images

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"Every single member of the squad rushed to Thievy Bifouma to celebrate that goal for a great big song and dance."

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"Absolutely disastrous defending, they gave that ball away. Thievy Bifouma basically walked the ball in from behind the keeper who had committed himself.

"Congo are certainly heading for the semi-finals. Claude LeRoy will tell his players to control themselves and not give it away in the way that DR Congo appear to have.

"They have absolutely thrown it away."

GOAL

Dreadful defending from DR Congo costs them what could be the clincher. A poor pass out of defence from Jean Kasusula is intercepted, Ferebory Dore is played through on goal as the keeper rushes out, his effort is blocked on the line but it rebounds to Thievy Bifouma, who slams home. That's his third of the tournament - he's now the outright top scorer.

HITS THE WOODWORK

And it's curled onto the bar by Cedric Makiadi with Christoffer Mafoumbi helpless! Congo just about scramble the rebound clear. Good response to going behind from the Leopards.

Dieumerci Mbokani, who has played as well as anyone for DR Congo, shows good strength to win a free-kick in a central position 20 yards out...

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"There's an inquest going on in the DR Congo defence. The keeper wants to know what his defenders were doing. Ferebory Dore was given the freedom of the six-yard box. There's no surprise the skipper Robert Kidiaba is so livid with his defenders for not getting a head onto it.

"This game has sprung to life in the last two or three minutes."

GOAL

Reuters

And having survived that close shave at the other end, Congo take the lead. Dimitri Bissiki curls in a free-kick, Cedric Mongongu doesn't hold the defensive line and that allows Ferebory Dore to stay onside as he raids round the back to prod home from point-blank range.

AP

AFP

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"It was a super strike, he absolutely caught hold of it. A couple if inches lower and it's in the back of the net. Keeper Christoffer Mafoumbi was beaten."

HITS THE WOODWORK

That's the closest we've come, and it should have been 1-0. DR Congo pump a long free-kick into the box, Dieumerci Mbokani heads it down into the path of strike partner Jeremy Bokila, and his volley shudders the crossbar from eight yards. Should have scored.

SUBSTITUTION

DRC defender Gabriel Zakuani goes to ground off the ball, and the stretcher is brought on - it doesn't look like the Peterborough man will be able to continue. Surreal scenes as the medical cart comes on, and crashes into Zakuani on the stretcher - that won't help. Sure enough, Joel Mpela comes on to replace him.

PENALTY APPEAL

And immediately there's a huge penalty shout for DR Congo! A long ball is pumped forward, and striker Dieumerci Mbokani gets the wrong side of Dmitri Bissiki and tumbles under the defender's challenge. The referee waves it away - big call.

KICK-OFF

Reuters

Off we go again in Bata.

OK, so there wasn't a great deal of creativity on show during that underwhelming half, but there is hope: Congo's Thievy Bifouma and DRC's Yannick Bolasie both created seven chances for their team-mates in the group stage, more than any player still in the competition.

Neither of these sides scored in the first half of any of their group games either. Perhaps it was always destined to be a slow burner.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"An edgy, cagey half has resulted in no goals despite some decent DRC efforts, they definitely had the better chances."

HALF-TIME

After an uneventful added minute, the referee brings the first half to a close. DR Congo have drawn their last six Afcon matches, and we're level at the break here. It's not been a classic...

DRC striker Jeremy Bokila tries an audacious effort from long range, but it's just over the bar.

PENALTY APPEAL

Congo skipper Prince Oniangue floats a cross out to the right for Franci Litsingi, who claims his cushioned volley back across goal struck a hand. Nothing doing from the referee.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"Yannick Bolasie is looking a little vulnerable. DR Congo have plenty of attacking options on the bench."

CLOSE!

And that's a very decent effort from Ferebory Dore from the resultant free-kick. He takes a long, straight run-up and catches the ball clean as a whistle, sending an absolute howitzer of a strike inches over the bar.

Join the debate at #BBCAfcon2015

Le Millenium: I've got a feeling that the oldest player in this tournament will be the star in the penalty shootouts. C'mon Leopard!

DR Congo keeper Robert Kidiaba turns 39 tomorrow.

YELLOW CARD

Now Thievy Bifouma has a chance to get into the match. The ball breaks to him on halfway and he runs at the DRC defence with menace, eventually drawing a cynical foul from Jeremy Makiadi, who picks up the first booking of the match.

AP

Congo striker Thievy Bifouma hasn't been able to get into this match so far, and his frustration gets the better of him as he clatters Chancel Mbemba needlessly on the edge of his own area. DRC left-back Jean Kasusula steps up and curls an effort over the top.

That's a decent opportunity for DR Congo. Cedric Mabwati shows good feet down the left and digs out a cross which is headed to Jeremy Bokila, but the striker can't quite adjust his feet and his effort is tame.

Join the debate at #bbcafcon2015

Phat James: Listening to Matthew and Piers on World Service, supporting DRC to beat Congo though the game is lacking scoring chances

Stephen Collins: So it's Congo v Congo in the QFs here. Very confusing to watch. Mind you, smart move entering two teams. Doubles your chances :)

This contest hasn't quite come to life yet. Neither side are really willing to press their opponents high up the pitch, and despite the prize of a semi-final spot in the offing, there's a distinct lack of intensity so far.

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Teddy Fleuridon: I wish my country Congo-Brazzaville to win. We have proven very consistent in the first stage. We're behind you!

Congo-Brazzaville is one of the official names for Congo by the way.

BBC

Thievy Bifouma is looking a little isolated up front for Congo. The Red Devils play the ball nicely up to halfway, then skipper Prince Oniangue thumps it long in search of the former West Brom man, who is easily crowded out. More subtlety needed from Claude LeRoy's men.

AFP

Bespectacled Congo coach Claude LeRoy is not a happy man. 'Insuffisant!' he yells at his players - that's 'not good enough'. On what we've seen so far, hard to disagree with him.

BBC World Service's Piers Edwards in Bata

"DR Congo are yet to make the breakthrough but they've had the better of the play. Their passing is decent, their build-up play is decent but they have nothing to show for it - they aren't converting chances."

That's better from Congo. They show good patience to work the ball to Arnold Moutou on the edge of the area, and his crisp shot forces Peterborough's Gabriel Zakuani into a good block.

AFP

It's just not happening for Congo at the moment. Delvin Ndinga floats a pass out to Thievy Bifouma on the right, but his attempt to knock it back inside to Franci Litsingi is misdirected.

More trouble down the left for Congo as Cedric Mabwati gets to the byeline and stands up an inviting cross, but it just eludes the heads of the DR Congo attackers. DRC weren't particularly impressive in the group stages, but they've started with authority here.

A welcome foray into the DR Congo half for Congo, who have been under the cosh so far, but Delvin Ndinga can only find the gloves of Robert Kidiaba with his cross.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

AP

"There are a lot more people here now than there were at the start of the game. People have tickets for both games so they are coming in early for Tunisia v Equatorial Guinea."

And now another good chance for DR Congo, who are definitely on top at the moment. Cedric Makiadi bustles down the right flank and cuts the ball back for Jeremy Bokila, who stings the gloves of Christopher Mafoumbi from 12 yards.

A deflected cross forces Congo's Boris Moubhibo to concede a corner rather untidily. The initial delivery is cleared only as far as corner-taker Cedric Makiadi, who fizzes a superb volleyed cross that Chancel Mbemba heads over.

And now Yannick Bolasie has a go for the Leopards. Congo goalkeeper Christopher Mafoumbi didn't look entirely convincing in the group games, and he was caught off his line here as Bolasie cut infield and curled a dipping effort just onto the roof of the net. Decent try.

A relatively quiet start in Bata, with both teams feeling each other out. DR Congo look to have settled into their passing rhythm slightly better, and Dieumerci Mbokani's strength is posing problems for the Congolese defenders as he chases long balls down the channels.

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AP

You have been having your say on today's games on the BBC Love African Football Facebook page.

David Sheekey: DR Congo should have too much class. That said the Republic Of Congo have showed that they don`t lack in fighting spirit. In the other match Tunisia to go through comfortably.

Mawel Chol Mawel: In Kampala... DRC and Tunisia are absolutely advancing to the semis tonight.

BBC World Service's Matthew Kenyon in Bata

"Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie is sitting back a little in this DR Congo midfield on the left-hand side."

And now a first shot for DR Congo. A free-kick is clipped into the area, brawny striker Dieumerci Mbokani rises highest but can't get his header on target.

BBC Radio

BBC Radio

Matthew Kenyon and Piers Edwards are commentating on today's games live for BBC World Service - you can hear this on your wireless if you are in Africa.

We will bring you their thoughts on the game throughout our live text today.

An early sight of goal for Congo's Arnold Moutou, who trundles forward unchallenged from halfway and decides to have a pop. His effort is well over.

Join the debate at #bbcafcon2015

Who do you fancy to win today's Congo derby? Are either of these sides potential tournament winners?

Can Yannick Bolasie put in a performance of Premier League quality for DR Congo today?

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter (#bbcafcon2015) or on our BBC Sport Facebook page.

KICK-OFF

Here we go - Congo, in red, get us underway. DR Congo are in white.

We're almost ready to go in the Estadio de Bata. The captains go forward to do the honours, giving us a first look at eccentric DR Congo keeper Robert Kidiaba and his ponytail. At 38, Kidiaba is the oldest player in the tournament.

A tale of two Congos

Congo and DR Congo are neighbouring countries in central Africa. DR Congo used to be known as Zaire - which you may remember from their disastrous World Cup appearance in 1974 - but changed its name in 1997 after Laurent-Desire Kabila seized power.

DR Congo are by far the larger nation - with 75 million people to Congo's four million - and historically the more successful on the football pitch.

Just to give added spice to the rivalry, Congo boss Claude LeRoy was in charge of DR Congo from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2011 to 2013.

"We know the team perfectly, but they know us perfectly as well, so there is a good balance between the two sides," LeRoy said.

However, despite the rivalry, there's also a healthy dose of mutual respect between the two countries. As DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge, LeRoy's former assistant, said: "We are the same country separated by a river. We know our brothers, we are the same people, the same lives."

LINE-UPS

Congo make one change, with Boris Moubhibo coming in for Francis Nganga. DR Congo make two tweaks as Gabby Zakuani and Jeremy Bokila replace Joel Kimwaki and Firmin Ndombe Mubele.

BBC

How they got here

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Congo were surprise winners of Group A. The Red Devils drew their first game against Equatorial Guinea, before claiming their first Cup of Nations win since 1974 against Gabon, then shocking 2013 runners-up Burkina Faso in their final match. They are coached by veteran manager Claude Le Roy, who has reached the semi-finals in four of his seven Afcon campaigns so far.

DR Congo were a little convincing in their progress from Group B. The Leopards drew all three of their games, with an equaliser in their final match against Tunisia enough to see them through ahead of Cape Verde on goals scored.

Hello and welcome to live text commentary of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Today we kick off the knockout stages with two intriguing quarter-finals.

Later on we'll see if host nation Equatorial Guinea, comfortably the lowest-ranked side at this tournament, can extend their fairytale run as they take on Group B winners Tunisia.

But first up, it's the Congo derby as Claude Le Roy's Congo take on neighbours and near-namesakes DR Congo, who have Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie in their ranks.

A slice of luck

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Day 15 of the Africa Cup of Nations, and eight teams remain. The knockout stages. The business end. Yet plenty of the teams who have made it this far owe a large debt to Lady Luck.

There's Guinea, who didn't win a match in the group stages and were handed a quarter-final berth courtesy of the drawing of lots.

There's Congo, who lost to Rwanda in qualifying but were handed a reprieve when their opponents were kicked out for fielding an ineligible player.

And then there's the host nation Equatorial Guinea, who were themselves disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying, before getting a free pass to the tournament when designated hosts Morocco pulled out.

As we move into the cutthroat environment of the quarter-finals, which teams will fortune continue to smile on, and whose luck is about to run out?