The complicated start of the Leopards in the CAN 2023 qualifiers had sowed doubt about their qualification. But the arrival of Sébastien Desabre changed everything for the Congolese team. The results have seen a colossal jump, both on an accounting level and on an emotional level. Today, the Leopards are the leaders of their group and have the possibility of qualifying this Saturday in the event of a draw. A turnaround that no one could have predicted after the two defeats under the orders of Hector Cuper.
A surprising statistic makes hope even more palpable for the Congolese. Indeed, during the last three CAN qualifiers, the DRC obtained its ticket during the last qualifying match, played at home. A fact which can only make the Sudanese, also in search of qualification, shudder as they face the Leopards this Saturday at the legendary Stade des Martyrs.
Let’s look back at these previous qualifications which marked the history of the Congolese team. In 2015, the DRC was ranked third in its group behind Cameroon and Ivory Coast. In the last home match against Sierra Leone, the Leopards won 3-1 and ended up awaiting the final verdict from CAF. Ultimately, they were drafted as the best third of all groups, thus qualifying for the CAN hosted in Equatorial Guinea.
In 2017, it was again during the last home match that the DRC validated its qualification. Ranked second in its group behind the CAR, the Congolese team won a resounding 4-1 victory against its direct opponent. A memorable evening marked by goals from Neskeens Kebano, Firmin Mubele, Jordan Botaka and Jonathan Bolingi. This victory also marked the beginning of the end for Joël Kimwaki, former pillar of the Congolese defense, and Marcel Tisserand’s first match at the Stade des Martyrs.
In 2019, during the CAN qualifiers, the DRC still had to qualify in the last home match against Liberia. This time, the Leopards were ranked third in their group behind Zimbabwe and Liberia. Despite a sluggish performance, they managed to win 1-0 thanks to a goal from Cédric Bakambu, thus ensuring their participation in a fourth consecutive CAN.
This Saturday, the DRC national team intends to continue its unbeaten streak in the last home match. In the Stade des Martyrs steeped in history, Sébastien Desabre’s players will be keen to write a glorious new page for Congolese football. And as in 2019, the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi will be present in the stands to support the Leopards. There is no room for error, but there is hope. Qualification is within reach for the DRC, which, once again, could experience a memorable evening in its legendary lair.
Isaac B’ampendee
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