The Leopards’ difficult start to the CAN 2023 qualifiers had raised many doubts about their qualification. However, the arrival of Sébastien Desabre at the head of the team changed everything. Under his leadership, the Leopards have made a remarkable leap in Group I. This progression is not only limited to the ranking, but has also had an emotional impact, moving from despair to confidence for all Congolese. Now, Chancel Mbemba’s teammates occupy first place in their group and have the possibility of qualifying this Saturday, by obtaining a draw. No one could have predicted such a turnaround after the two defeats suffered under Hector Cuper.
The specialists of the last days
The Congolese are now rejoicing as they impatiently await a result that will cause great joy this weekend. An incredible statistic reinforces their hope: the DRC qualified for the last 3 editions of the CAN by playing its last qualifying match at home. This data obviously does not please the Sudanese, who are also seeking their qualification this Saturday on the legendary pitch of the Stade des Martyrs. Let us recall some key facts.
CAN 2015 Qualifiers: The DRC hosts Sierra Leone at the Tata Raphaël Stadium on November 19, 2014, on the last day. The Leopards are not masters of their destiny, as they are ranked third in their group behind Cameroon and Ivory Coast. Despite a 3-1 victory against Sierra Leone thanks to a double from Yannick Bolasie and a goal from Cédric Mongungu, they finished in third place in the group. At this moment, they are neither qualified nor eliminated, because CAF plans to draft the best third of all groups. The verdict falls in the evening, the DRC is drafted with its 9 points, ahead of Egypt beaten by Tunisia, and also thanks to the draw (1-1) between Nigeria and South Africa the same day. The Leopards miraculously qualify for the tournament which takes place in Equatorial Guinea. During the final phase, they finished in a surprising third place, winning a historic bronze medal, their last to date.
CAN Gabon 2017 Qualifiers: Before the match on the 6th day, the DRC occupies second place in its group behind the CAR. However, CAF does not need to be first in its group to qualify for the final phase in Gabon. The Leopards have the chance to play the decisive match at home against the leader, the RCA. On September 5, 2016, in a Stade des Martyrs packed with Congolese supporters, the DRC produced a dazzling performance by winning 4-1 and thus qualifying for the competition. The scorers of the evening are Neskeens Kebano, Firmin Mubele, Jordan Botaka and Jonathan Bolingi. This match also marks the official debut of Marcel Tisserand at the Stade des Martyrs and marks the beginning of the end of Joël Kimwaki, who until then was the indisputable pillar of the Congolese defense.
CAN 2019 Qualifiers: Once again, the DRC must secure its qualification on the last day, at home, against President Georges Weah’s Liberia. Before this match on March 24, 2019 at the Stade des Martyrs, the Leopards occupy third place in their group behind Zimbabwe, their opponent of the day, and Liberia. The match takes place in the stifling heat of Kinshasa, amplified by the excitement of the public. The Leopards were generally sluggish and lacked inspiration, but were saved at the last minute by the talent of two players. Trésor Mputu’s return with the last pass offers a clinical finish to Cédric Bakambu in the 52nd minute. It’s the only goal of the match, but it’s enough to eliminate the Lones Stars of Liberia and qualify Florent Ibenge’s DRC for its 4th consecutive CAN. Note that this victory took place under the eyes of Félix Tshisekedi, newly elected President of the Republic.
This Saturday, the Congolese national team intends to extend its invincibility streak at home on the last day and write a new page of history in the Martyrs stadium, which was the scene of significant moments, both joyful and tragic. Just like in March 2019, the Head of State will be present in the stands to support Sébastien Desabre’s players, for whom no error is allowed.
Isaac B’ampendee