Tough battle to call between Guinea and DR Congo

Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo clash in what looks an evenly-matched Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal in Abidjan on Friday night, with the carrot being dangled a place in the last-4 of the continental finals.

DR Congo have got to this stage on the back of four draws, proving difficult to break down, but equally unable to put their opponents away. Guinea needed a 98th minute winner to see off Equatorial Guinea in the previous round.

It is likely to be helter-skelter, physical and perhaps a little light on goals, but it should be an absorbing contest nonetheless.

"We are ready for the battle, both mentally and physically. We entered this Afcon conditioned to play seven finals. If it comes to penalties, we will go for it."

Guinea striker Sory Kaba believes it is all about limiting errors and taking their chances.

"Against a compact Congolese team, we will have to be rigorous and efficient. The team that makes the least mistakes will go through," Kaba said.

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre says his side are on a "mission" to take home the trophy.

"The team is highly motivated. We know we can achieve more in this tournament, which, for me, is not the Afcon of surprises but of hard work. The boys are on a mission, and we will not give up under any circumstances," he said.

Despite their run of draws, defender Gedeon Kalulu says his side can take heart from their performances, especially having ousted fancied Egypt in the last-16.

"Certainly we can note two victories on the psychological front. The first is having beaten a top 5 side on penalties, and the second is not conceding many goals," Kalulu said.