AFCON 2015: EQ. GUINEA, DR CONGO ADVANCE TO THE SEMI-FINAL

Hosts Equatorial Guinea benefited from a hotly disputed penalty in the last minute of normal time to go on and beat Tunisia 2-1 in extra time in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals on Saturday in the city of Bata.

Eq. Guinea players celebrating after their win against Tunisia

Mauritian referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn ruled that Ivan Bolado was fouled in the 90th minute with Equatorial Guinea trailing 1-0, and on the way out of their home tournament.

Javier Balboa scored from the spot-kick deep in stoppage time, and curled in a brilliant free kick in the first half of extra time to send Equatorial Guinea to the semifinals for the first time.

The penalty was the turning point, and Seechurn's highly contentious decision sparked fury from Tunisian players, and the coaching staff on the sidelines. There were ugly confrontations between both camps near the dugouts after the decision, and riot police even moved in to restore order.

At the final whistle, there was more trouble, when the sides clashed again near the dugouts, and Seechurn was surrounded by furious Tunisian players, and then chased by them across the field and down the tunnel as riot police and yellow-jacketed security officials tried to escort him away safely.

Tunisia silenced the 35,000 fanatic home fans in the 70th minute when Ahmed Akaichi flicked in at the near post after a perfect first-time cross by Hamza Mathlouthi for a 1-0 lead.

DR Congo surged back from 2-0 down to make the semifinals after beating neighbours Congo 4-2.

Dieumerci Mbokani scored his second in stoppage time as DR Congo responded with four goals in the last 25 minutes.

The teams reacted to a lacklustre first half with a pulsating second 45 minutes at Bata Stadium.

Dore Ferebory gave Congo the lead in the 55th. Thievy Bifouma made it 2-0 after some chaotic defending.DR Congo then took over. Yannick Bolasie created the first goal for striker Mbokani, and Loteteka Bokila equalised in the 75th minute. 

Substitute Joel Kimuaki headed in a third from a set piece, and Mbokani bore down on goal in the dying seconds to make sure of DR Congo's place in the last four for the first time in 17 years.

Equatorial Guinea will play the winner of Sunday's quarterfinal between Ghana and Guinea, while DR Congo get the Ivory Coast- Algeria winners.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Akin' Odunsi

@gr8akin