REACTIONS
CAN 2024: calm and unity, two formidable weapons in the hands of the DRC Leopards
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) qualified for the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations on Friday, February 2, by overthrowing Guinea in Abidjan (3-1). Once again, the Leopards fell behind. But once again, they were able to raise their heads calmly. The new trademark of a united and determined team.
The DRC coach, Sébastien Desabre, celebrates with his players the victory obtained in Abidjan against Guinea, Friday February 2, 2024. © Pierre René-Worms, RFI
By: Nicolas Bamba Follow
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From our special correspondent in Abidjan
,
“
The Congolese mastered their quarter-final perfectly, they were quite impressive. (…) Finally, this immense football country returns to the highest level. It’s great
”: former coach of the DRC, Claude Le Roy did not hide his enthusiasm, at the Ébimpé Olympic stadium on Friday, a few minutes after the success of the Leopards against Guinea in this
CAN 2024
. The Congolese are back in the last four and their journey owes nothing to chance.
Read alsoCAN 2024: the DRC dictates its law to Guinea and climbs into the last four
Obvious mental strength
Until this face-to-face with the national Syli, the DRC had not won any match in the game in this CAN (three draws in the first round, victory on penalties in the round of 16). Friday, captain Chancel Mbemba – author of the first Congolese goal – and his teammates once again displayed their ability to bounce back. As against Zambia and Morocco, they conceded the opener before reacting.
“
It’s not because you concede a goal that you don’t win
,” Sébastien Desabre keenly observed after the match. “
We showed against Egypt that mentally, we are there, we are strong. The boys work, there is good cohesion. We want to give everything and not have regrets
,” he declared.
This mental strength and this ability to not give in to panic and to stay focused was again evident on the pitch. Guinea got off to a good start before losing out in the face of the Congolese organization and game plan. “
We knew that even if we conceded a goal, we could come back
,” goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi told us. “
We never panicked, we stayed in what we had to do. (…) We are mentally strong and it shows
,” he added, echoing the coach’s words a few minutes earlier.
Also read: The rankings, results and calendar for CAN 2024
Sébastien Desabre “
brought a framework, a discipline
”
Seeing the DRC reach the semi-finals of this CAN was not obvious as the selection was moribund, a year and a half ago, at the start of the qualifiers. This was before Sébastien Desabre took the reins of the selection and changed its state of mind. Thursday, on the eve of facing Guinea, the French technician praised the “
CAN of work
”, where the teams competing after the round of 16 stood out for their progress made.
Today, it is the same efforts made in the Leopards' den that are bearing fruit. “
The coach asked us to stay calm (at the break) and continue to do what we know how to do. And there it was, it paid off. He’s a great coach
,” applauded Théo Bongonda, overjoyed at seeing where the DRC is at while “
a year ago, everyone was laughing at us
.”
“
The coach brought something special together by involving everyone. Everyone is fighting to go as far as possible. (…) Since he arrived, he has pushed us to fight as a team
,” said Joris Kayembe. Lionel Mpasi is of the same opinion: “
We have an incredible group. Everyone can make a difference, everyone is affected. In a competition like this, it is very important. We reflect what the coach asks for. He brought a framework, a discipline and it is felt on the field.
»
The winner of the Mali-Côte d'Ivoire quarter-final will meet this unified group of Leopards in the semi-final. “
Their opponents will have a hard time
,” warns Claude Le Roy.
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