The complicated start of the Leopards in the CAN 2023 qualifiers had sowed doubt about their qualification. However, the arrival of Sébastien Desabre completely changed the situation. With him, the Leopards made a colossal leap in Group I, going from total despair to total confidence. Today, they are leaders of their group and have the possibility of qualifying this Saturday, even with a draw. This surprising situation recalls an incredible statistic: the DRC obtained its last three CAN qualifications by playing its last match at home.
During the CAN 2015 qualifiers, the DRC hosted Sierra Leone for its last match. At that point, they were neither qualified nor eliminated, but a 3-1 victory miraculously allowed them to qualify thanks to the drafting of the best third from all groups. In the final phase, they even won the bronze medal.
During the CAN Gabon 2017 qualifiers, the DRC was second in their group before their final home match against the Central African Republic. They won a convincing 4-1 victory, thus qualifying for the tournament. This victory also marked the start of a new era for the Congolese defense, with the arrival of Marcel Tisserand.
Finally, during the CAN 2019 qualifiers, the DRC had to once again secure their qualification during their last home match against Liberia. Thanks to a goal from Cédric Bakambu, the Leopards won 1-0 and obtained their fourth consecutive qualification for the CAN.
This series of qualifications obtained during the last home matches shows the mental strength and determination of the Leopards. They knew how to draw on their resources to achieve crucial results when it mattered most. And this Saturday, against Sudan, they will look to extend this unbeaten streak at home on the final day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers.
Under the eyes of the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, Sébastien Desabre’s players will have to give the best of themselves to seal their qualification. No mistakes are allowed, but in light of their history in recent home matches, the Leopards can approach this crucial meeting with confidence and determination.
This match will be an opportunity for the DRC to write a new page in its sporting history and confirm its place among the best teams on the continent. Congolese supporters, who experienced all the emotions during these qualifiers, are impatiently awaiting this decisive moment and believe in the strength of their team to lead them to the long-awaited qualification.
In all cases, whether the result is positive or negative, the DRC can be proud of its Leopards who fought to the end to defend the colors of the country.. And if qualification is at the end of the road, this will only strengthen the team’s determination to shine during the next final phase of the CAN. So, all together, let’s support the Leopards in this last battle for qualification.