Congolese fans have their eyes on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo make their debut in the competition. This Wednesday, January 16, they will face the Chipolopolos of Zambia on the first day of group F.
In a press conference before the match, Sébastien Desabre, coach-manager of the Leopards, expressed the solid preparation and concentration of the team. Although he recognizes the quality of the Zambian team, Desabre clearly stated his team’s ambitions in the competition.
“Achievements are not impossible in a competition. As an outsider, we have high expectations around our team. We will give our best and, as a coach, my only expectation is to see the players give 100 % in every match. The pressure we currently feel is to provide a good performance and give everything on the pitch. The players know this. Whatever the circumstances, we must show our fighting spirit, our spirit as soldiers of our country and give the best of ourselves,” Sebastien Desabre said during the press conference.
The French technician also underlined the importance of the first match while specifying that it will not be decisive. He expressed the team’s ambition to continue the momentum of the last eighteen months. Desabre assured that the team is prepared, ready and humble to represent their country, aware of the difficulty of each match in this competition.
“We are going to face a Zambian team that we know well, with very good qualities, particularly offensively. We have prepared well for this match and for the entire competition. The players have completed a good preparation course. We are approaching this match with the ambition to achieve a good performance. We are aware of our potential and we are ready to defend our country in all situations. There is great cohesion and collective unity within the group and the technical staff. This is what that we have managed to establish. I know that if we play good matches, we will have more chances of winning. But we do not forget humility, because it is a reality in football,” he said. he adds.
Expectations are high for the Congolese Leopards who will have to give everything to obtain their first points in this competitive group.
As football lovers, we can only hope that the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo put in a great performance in this 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and we will all show our unwavering support behind them. Go Leopards!