AFCON 2023 - Papy Kimoto: "This Congolese side radiates calm"

Are you surprised to see DR Congo in the semi-final?

Yes. And pleasantly so. I didn't expect DR Congo to reach the semi-final. The team has had a change of coach, with Sébastien Desabre appointed in August 2022, new players have come in, and I thought it would take a little longer for the results to show. But it has happened faster than expected, and DR Congo have proved at this Africa Cup of Nations that they can compete with the best.

Are you thinking of the games against Morocco (1-1), Egypt (1-1, 8-7 on penalties) and Guinea (3-1)?

Indeed. And each time, when the team went behind, they managed to pull level with their opponents by staying calm, composed and in control. They are growing into the tournament, and good results bring confidence. This is a side that doesn't panic even when trailing. You can feel that the coach has brought rigour and discipline to the way they play, but also to the players' day-to-day lives. And we Congolese need that. I believe the players buy into the coach's methods, that they are comfortable in this set-up, and it shows on the pitch. This is a happy team.

"Ivory Coast are carried along by a whole nation"

Which players have impressed you most in this Congolese squad?

I like midfielder Charles Pickel a lot; he has only recently become an international and has quickly become an important player for the team. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi is also at the required level. Yoane Wissa is having a very fine Cup of Nations and is a leader on the pitch. Théo Bongonda is important too. The senior players, such as Chancel Mbemba, Cédric Bakambu, Samuel Moutoussamy and Arthur Masuaku, are playing their part. It's a really interesting collective.

Enough to knock out Ivory Coast?

DR Congo have their chances. This semi-final will be very open. Of course, Ivory Coast will be playing in front of their own fans and that will be an advantage, but I really believe the Leopards can reach the final.

On that note, what do you make of the Ivorian Elephants?

Ivory Coast are a great team. On sporting grounds, it's no surprise that they are in the semi-final, because they have a fine squad. But since the start of the tournament, this side has been quite surprising. They came close to going out in the group stage, and since then they have eliminated Senegal, the holders (1-1, 5-4 on penalties), and Mali (2-1, after extra time), in games where they were pushed back, outplayed, but found a way to raise their level. Mentally, they are quite impressive, they have come back from a long way, they have had a change of coach in the middle of the competition. You can feel they are full of confidence, carried along by a whole nation and highly motivated. It will be a really open, unpredictable and fascinating semi-final…

Alexis Billebault