Desabre sees Leopards as title challengers

DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre believes his team are contenders for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title as they prepare to face Guinea in the quarterfinals at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Friday, February 2.

Kick-off is at 10pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

The Leopards caused a major upset in the round of 16 when they beat seven-time African champions Egypt 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Sunday, January 28.

Desabre's side had qualified for the knockout stages despite winning a single match in Group F; they drew 1-1 with both Zambia and Morocco before being held to a goalless stalemate by Tanzania as they finished runners-up to the Atlas Lions.

The National Elephants made history with their dramatic 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in the last 16 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday, January 28 as it was the first time since 1976 that they won a knockout game on Africa's biggest stage.

Not many had given them a chance of even progressing from Group C after being drawn alongside defending champions Senegal, Cameroon and Gambia, but they went through as the best third-placed team.

Kaba Diawara's side drew 1-1 with the Indomitable Lions and then edged the Scorpions 1-0 which was enough to advance after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Lions of Teranga in their final group encounter.

Team news:

Meschak Elia made his first start of the tournament against the Pharaohs after coming off the bench in each of DR Congo's three group matches and the Young Boys striker could retain his place in the starting line-up after opening the scoring in San-Pedro.

Guinea captain Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy had both been deemed fit to start against Senegal after missing the opening two games through injury, but the duo only made the bench again for the clash with the National Thunder and might only be among the substitutes once more in Abidjan.

What was said:

DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre

"I don't know if it was my knowledge of Egyptian football that gave us this victory. We performed well, even if we did not validate numerical superiority. But, I am proud of my players.

"I knew my team was capable of competing with the Pharaohs. It's been a long time since we led. I always said that we were challengers. We will recover and prepare for the match against Guinea.

"We want to go as far as possible. We know our strengths and our weaknesses. The credit goes to my players. I am happy with their riot of energy."

Guinea head coach Kaba Diawara

"It means a lot because we knew the historic nature that this match had. We knew that, by winning, it would be the first time since 1976 that we won a knockout game.

"We're proud. We've been working together for two years and we've grown together. We managed to adapt, even if the manner wasn't the best. Last minute. But I said I wanted us to win. And that's what we did."

Players to watch:

DR Congo - Yoane Wissa has featured in all four games for the Leopards at the continental showpiece and has one goal to his name after scoring the equaliser against Chipolopolo. The Brentford winger has been a real livewire for his country and should have more goals than just the one but failed to take his chances.

Guinea - Mohamed Bayo became in instant folk hero he headed home the winner in the 98th minute against Equatorial Guinea to book his team's place in the quarterfinals. The Lille striker, who is on a season-long loan at Le Havre, has scored twice in Ivory Coast after producing a clinical finish early on to break the deadlock against Cameroon.

Head-to-Head:

Matches - 4

DR Congo wins - 3

Guinea wins - 1

Draws - 0