A clever throw-in routine was finished off by Neeskens Kebano's low drive to put DR Congo 1-0 up but Wilfried Bony equalised with a powerful header.

DR Congo regained the lead only two minutes later when an unmarked Junior Kabananga headed in at the far post.

Ivory Coast salvaged a point when Serey Die's 20-yard shot was deflected in.

Salmon Kalou was denied a late winner when he volleyed in superbly but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The result stopped DR Congo from booking their place in the last eight with a game to spare and leaves Group C congested - at least until Friday's late game between Togo and Morocco.

Ivory Coast knew a defeat against DR Congo could be a disaster for them and they teetered on the brink because of some poor defending.

They failed to pick up the runs of Kebano and Kabananga for the DR Congo pair's goals and were also fortunate when Firmin Ndombe Mubele's shot clipped the post after he had easily held off two defenders.

But in Bony they had a serious aerial threat and the on-loan Stoke forward gave warning when he headed over from a long ball over the top by Serge Aurier. Soon after he powered in a downward header from a corner for his side's first equaliser

The Ivorian's second leveller had an element of good fortune as Die's drive was diverted in off a defender.

Luck was not on their side, though, when a tight offside decision went against Kalou, who had brilliantly volleyed in from Aurier's free-kick.