CAN 2023: The Leopards of the DRC qualify for Ivory Coast at the end of the suspense
In a thrilling encounter, the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo, nicknamed the Leopards, qualified for the next African Cup of Nations. While the wait was unbearable, the Leopards finally dominated Sudan with a score of 2-0. A solid performance which confirms the rebirth of this Congolese selection.
Coach Sébastien Desabre created a surprise by aligning Charles Pickel as a defensive midfielder, thus relegating Edo Sur to the bench. From the kick-off, the Leopards put pressure on their opponents by multiplying recoveries in the Sudanese half. On a superb deep pass from Charles Pickel, Théo Bongonda opened the scoring in the 7th minute, despite protests from the Sudanese defense who called for offside. The pair of defenders Mbemba-Batubinsika offered remarkable serenity, leaving little work for goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
In a favorable position, the Leopards managed the end of the game with ease. Fiston Kalala Mayele, who came on to replace Cédric Bakambu, scored a second goal in the 87th minute, taking advantage of a confusion in the opposing defense. Alongside Mauritania, victorious over Gabon, the Leopards validated their qualification for the next CAN. An interminable wait for the more than 54,000 spectators present at the stadium, who were nevertheless able to savor this victory.
This qualification confirms the return to form of the Congolese team which had experienced difficulties in recent years. The Leopards will be ones to watch at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where they will attempt to put on a good show and reach the heights of African football.
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