Portrait
CAN 2024: Meschack Elia, one of the DRC’s assets
Congolese international Meschack Elia is one of the survivors of CAN 2019 in Egypt with the DRC. The former TP Mazembe striker, decisive passer against Morocco, remains one of the leaders of coach Sébastien Desabre's new squad this year in Ivory Coast.
The Congolese Meschack Elia in the duel with the Tanzanian Mbwana Samatta during the match between Tanzania and the DRC in Korhogo, January 24, 2024. © AFP / FADEL SENNA
By: Farid Achache Follow
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From our special correspondent in San Pedro,
Meschack Elia is on the rise. In 2023, the former Almighty Mazembe striker won the title of Best Player in the Swiss Championship. And at mid-season, with Young Boys Berne, his tally showed five goals in the championships and two in the Champions League. Moreover, last October, an achievement by the Congolese against Manchester City on the prestigious European stage made the rounds on social networks. The former player of CS Don Bosco, a Lubumbashi club, then signed a sumptuous lob in front of goalkeeper Ederson.
The Young Boyz striker from Bern will certainly be one of the pillars of
Sébastien Desabre
, the coach of the
DRC
, for the round of 16 against Egypt. “
We try to go as far as possible. We are afraid of no one. There are no small teams in
CAN
,” said Meschack Elia at the start of the tournament. During the second group stage match against Morocco, it was he who was the decisive passer of the equalizing goal which allowed the Leopards to achieve a draw.
An unfortunate episode
Elia Meschack was elected both top scorer and best player during CHAN 2016 in Rwanda, won by his DRC. His supersonic speed and dribbling had wreaked havoc and allowed him to score a double in the final against Mali (3-0). He then participated in CAN 2019 in Egypt in June and July, before disappearing from the radar. Indeed, in August, the native of Kinshasa found himself at the center of a funny soap opera.
He had hastily left TP Mazembe even though an agreement had been reached with Anderlecht for his transfer. After a few months, the Leopard requested political asylum in Switzerland and reappeared with the Young Boys of Bern, claiming to be free from any contract. FIFA ruled this matter in favor of the Ravens, considering the player still under contract with TP Mazembe at the time of his signing in Switzerland.
The Dispute Resolution Chamber of the instance sanctioned Elia and his new club by forcing them to compensate TP Mazembe. The Congolese Federation, which had also sided with the TPM, sanctioned him with a one-year suspension. Meschack Elia then made his return to the selection during the 2022 World Cup play-offs, against Morocco.
► Rankings, results and calendar for CAN 2024
Be constant now
Now, the 27-year-old striker seems to have found a form of serenity. “
The most important thing for a player is to be consistent. It's a pride for me to play the C1. My goal is to continue to progress at club and national level.
It’s a great joy for me to be reunited with the Leopards
,” says the man who likes to play table tennis and table football with his teammates.
Elia started playing football in the street in Kinshasa. He then joined Alain Lejeune's football school in the Congolese capital, then signed with Jogari AF. Florent Ibenge, former DR Congo coach, told
Jeune Afrique
in 2016: “
At CHAN, he confirmed his potential, but he is still young, and has a lot to learn. He wants to work. He is very talented, sometimes fanciful in his game, because he has to be more efficient, and this has earned him a few shouting matches from me, but he is an easy boy to manage.
» Eight years later, we can say that the CHAN star, 39 selections, has grown up a lot.
Comments by Meschack Elia collected by Martin Guez
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