The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) beat World Cup finalists Togo here Saturday in a Group B match in the 25th African Nations Cup.

The DR Congo got an early chance in the game when Biscotte Mbala's shot from a tight angle was saved by Togo's goalkeeper Kossi Agassa in the 7th minute.

England-based Lomano LuaLua had a great chance again four minutes later for the DR Congo, but he headed over the bar from the corner.

Both teams had several other chances, but neither managed to convert them into a goal until the stalemate was broken shortly before half-time.

After squandering several chances in the most part of the first half, Tresor Mputu lifted the ball over Agassa after he was put through by LuaLua in the 45th minute.

Togo held back striker Emmanuel Adebayor, recently signed by the English Premiership team Arsenal, and it was reported at half- time that he complained of a stomach problem just before the match started.

Adebayor replaced Adekanmi Olufade in the second half, but failed to make any impact on the match.

Congolese captain LuaLua, from English Premiership strugglers Portsmouth, smashed in a goal in the 64th minute, helping the DR Congo lead by 2:0.

The DR Congo, considered as an underdog in Group B, won a well- deserved match on Saturday, forcing Togo to fight hard when it faces Cameroon on Wednesday if the team wants to qualify for the next round of competition.

Angola, which lost 1:3 to Cameroon in an earlier match on Saturday, will play the DR Congo on Wednesday in another Group B match.

Lineups:

Togo: Kossi Agassa, Yaovi Abalo, Yao Aziawonou, Eric Akoto, Emmanuel Mathias, Zanzan Attey-Oudeyi, Alaixis Romao (53, Safiou Salifou), Cherif Toure Mamam (82, Mikael Dogbe), Yao Senaya, Adekambi Olufade (58, Emmanuel Adebayor), Abdelkader Cougbadja.

Congo: Pascal Kalemba, Tshinyama Tshiolola, Mbuta Mbala (86, Kabamba Musasa), Christian Kinkela, Tresor Mputu (62, Franck Matingou), Lomana LuaLua, Zola Matumona (82, Ngasanya Ilongo), Marcel Mbayo, Herita Ilunga, Gladys Bokese, Tshimalanga Kabundi.

Source: Xinhua