AFCON 2023 - Patrice Neveu: "DR Congo are a dangerous opponent"
Gabon v DR Congo, as seen by Patrice Neveu. In this interview with Sport News Africa, the French coach breaks down the clash.
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How did the first part of Gabon's training camp go?
We worked well. I was with the squad from 7 June, near Chantilly. For the most part there were two training sessions a day: strength work, aerobic work, and sessions on the pitch. The team were able to play a friendly against Saint-Quentin (National 2), which we won 7-0. It's always useful to win a friendly before an important match. I was able to see some of the players and how they are physically after a long, busy season, and to try a few things out. The win is certainly welcome and it's good for confidence, but you shouldn't focus solely on the result.
The camp was marked above all by the returns of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina, a little over a year after they announced their international retirement…
Yes. But actually, it felt as if we had only parted ways with them three months ago! They know the Gabon national team very well, and their return went very smoothly, very easily. They're here, and that's obviously very good news. Having two top-level players can only be a good thing. They want to help Gabon qualify for the AFCON, and they've shown a great deal of commitment and seriousness. Pierre-Emerick, by the way, scored two goals against Saint-Quentin.
"Aubameyang and Lemina, a simple and easy return"
On Sunday, the opposition will be totally different. What do you know about this Congolese side?
We left France on Wednesday morning on a private plane, flying straight to Franceville. That meant we could arrive on Wednesday evening, with no stopover in Libreville, and have three days to prepare before this game. DR Congo are not the same side since the arrival of Sébastien Desabre. The Congolese team have rediscovered their confidence, they have picked up results in recent months, and they will be a dangerous opponent.
An opponent who really have no choice but to win…
Gabon have 7 points, DR Congo 4. Sudan have 6 and Mauritania 4. It's an extremely tight group, where all four teams can still qualify. A win would book our place before we travel to Mauritania in September. The Congolese need a good result away from home. We should expect an intense game. Even though the players on both sides are tired, because the season has been long, they want to win. I've sensed a lot of focus in my group, and a certain eagerness to play this match.
Alexis Billebault