DR Congo boss Desabre dreams of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON glory after quarter-final win

Published:
Sunday, 04 February 2024

DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre says his side have « points » to win the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after finally recording their first victory of the tournament against Guinea in the quarter-finals.

The Leopards had drawn all four previous games against Zambia, Morocco, Tanzania and Egypt. But their 3-1 triumph over Guinea on Saturday earned a semi-final clash with hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

For Desabre, the long-awaited win shows his team are hitting form at the perfect time.

« This victory comes at the right time as we are gaining momentum in the competition. We won, we drew, but did not lose, » the Frenchman said.

Desabre now believes DR Congo can dream of the ultimate prize. « It would be foolish not to believe in the final victory. But it will be difficult, » he conceded.

The coach feels DR Congo have the firepower to trouble any defence, despite only scoring three goals prior to the quarters.

« We have forwards like Bakambu, Banza and Mayele Fiston. We know it was a matter of time before we succeeded, » Desabre insisted.

With momentum building and a first AFCON crown now within reach, the DR Congo boss is daring to dream.

« When you reach the semi-finals, you first want to reach the final. And if you have the chance to reach the final, you want to win it, » said Desabre.

« We will do everything to have no regrets. »

After finally finding their attacking spark, Desabre and DR Congo can be forgiven for believing their AFCON fairytale may have a glorious ending.