DR Congo set up an African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final clash with Ghana after defeating Burundi 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday night.
The Leopards fought back from a goal down to secure second spot in Group D behind Gabon (who defeated Mauritania 4-2 in a concurrent match in Bloemfontein) thanks to a first-half brace from striker Makusu Mundele, who also missed a penalty kick.
The Congolese, the winners of the inaugural CHAN in 2009, will clash with Ghana in Sunday's quarter-finals in the repeat of the final in Ivory Coast.
The was after DR Congo finished behind Gabon in Group D.
On Wednesday, DRC beat Burundi 2-1 at Polokwane to finish on six points, a point behind Gabon, whose three goals in the last five minutes saw them dump Mauritania 4-2.
Group winners Gabon will now face Libya, runners-up in Group C, also on Sunday.
DRC, the winners of the 2009 tournament in the Ivory Coast who paraded several players from four-time African champions TP Mazembe, had to draw on their wealth of experience to subdue a youthful Burundi side.
Burundi (1) 1 (Selemani Ndikumana 15ââ¬â¢)
DR Congo (2) 2 (Makusu Mundele 25ââ¬â¢ 38ââ¬â¢)
Burundi: Arthur Arakaza, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Hassan Hakizimana, Issa Hakiziman, Rashid Hererimana, Yussuf Ndikumana, Christophe Nduwarugira (Mossi Moussa 57ââ¬â¢), Fiston Razak Abdul, Gael Duhayinavyi, Selemani Ndikumana, Claude Ndarusanza (Celestin Habonimana 67ââ¬â¢)
DRC: Robert Kidiaba, Eric Nkulukuta, Jean Kasusula, Joel Kimwaki, Muselengue Ugenda, Patou Simbi, Chikito Mabidi, Firmin Mubele (Thierry Kasereka 72ââ¬â¢), Guy Lusadisu (Reagan Pelembe 54ââ¬â¢), Cedrick Mavuanga, Makusu Mundele