On Tuesday afternoon, during the pre-match press conference for the Congolese selection at CAN 2023, Sébastien Desabre, the team’s coach, was accompanied by Yoane Wissa, Brentford striker. This unexpected presence was due to the absence of Chancel Mbemba, the team captain.
Indeed, after the match against Morocco, an altercation broke out between Mbemba and Walid Regragui, the Morocco coach. The dispute attracted the attention of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which opened an investigation into the incident. As a result, Mbemba may be prevented from appearing before the press during this period.
This internal decision could also be seen as a protective measure towards Mbemba, as several journalists asked the central defender to respond to the comments made to him by Regragui. This affair adds an additional dose of tension in the already competitive context of CAN 2023.
Yoane Wissa, who scored in the first match against Zambia, therefore took over from Mbemba during the press conference. His inclusion in Desabre’s squad shows the confidence the coach has in the other players in the team and also highlights the depth of the Congolese squad.
As the CAF investigation continues, fans and football observers will be eager to see how this matter is resolved and what impact it could have on the Congolese team’s performance in the remainder of the competition.
In conclusion, the pre-match press conference of the Congolese selection at CAN 2023 was marked by the presence of Yoane Wissa replacing Chancel Mbemba, following the incident with Walid Regragui. This internal decision aims to protect Mbemba and maintain the team’s concentration in an already competitive context.