Achraf Hakimi's early opener was cancelled out as DR Congo held highly-rated Morocco to a pulsating 1-1 draw at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The Atlas Lions took the lead inside just six minutes when Hakimi rifled home after being teed up by Hakim Ziyech.

But DR Congo were handed a route back into the Group F clash when VAR awarded a penalty after a Moroccan handball in the box on 42 minutes.

Cedric Bakambu stepped up but squandered the golden opportunity to equalise as Yassine Bounou dived in the right but the ball went wide even before the Moroccan goalkeeper could intervene.

However, the Leopards finally drew level with 15 minutes left when Silas Katompa Mvumpa converted Elia Meschack's assist.

The sides could not be separated in an entertaining encounter as both retained hopes of reaching the knockouts.

The draw leaves Morocco top on four points, DR Congo second on two and all still to play for in Group F.

Morocco face Zambia next while DR Congo tackle Tanzania in their final pool matches on Wednesday.

After this compelling match between the group's leading lights, both still have AFCON qualification in their own hands. (CAFonlne)