The complicated start of the Leopards in the CAN 2023 qualifiers had sowed doubt about their qualification. However, the arrival of Sébastien Desabre changed the situation. Under his leadership, the DRC national team has made a considerable leap in Group I. Now at the top of their group, the Congolese have every chance of qualifying this Saturday, even with a draw. A turnaround that no one expected after the two defeats suffered under Hector Cuper.
If the Leopards are rubbing their hands today, it is largely thanks to a statistic that is favorable to them. Indeed, during their last three CAN qualifiers, they played their last match at home. A statistic which must not have pleased the Sudanese, also in the running for qualification on Saturday, on the lawn of the legendary Stade des Martyrs.
Let’s look back at these previous qualifications. In 2015, the DRC hosted Sierra Leone for its last qualifying match. Despite a 3-1 victory, the Congolese finished third in their group. However, CAF decides to draft the best third of all groups, and the DRC miraculously qualifies. In the final phase, they even reached third place, thus winning a historic bronze medal.
In 2017, the DRC was again in a delicate position before the last match against the CAR. But a resounding 4-1 victory in front of their home crowd allowed them to qualify for the CAN in Gabon. This match also marked the beginning of the end for Joël Kimwaki, who was then the pillar of the Congolese defense.
In 2019, it was again at home that the DRC won their qualification in the last match against Liberia. Thanks to a single goal, the Leopards eliminate their opponents and qualify for their fourth consecutive CAN.
This Saturday, the DRC national team hopes to extend its unbeaten streak at home in the final match of the qualifiers. The Stade des Martyrs will be the scene of a new story, with the support of the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi.
Under the era of Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards were able to turn things around and regain confidence in their abilities. With a remarkable run so far, they are determined to qualify for CAN 2023 and make an impression during the final phase.
We now have to wait for the outcome of this last match, which could well mark a new miraculous qualification for the Leopards of the DRC.