AFCON 2023 - Yoane Wissa: "We know what's in store"
Ahead of his first Africa Cup of Nations with DR Congo, Yoane Wissa is confident before the group-stage opener against Zambia.
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How is the squad feeling on the eve of your opening game against Zambia?
Yoane Wissa: The mood is positive. We had a very good training camp in Abu Dhabi. We made a few tweaks, and now the group is eager to get stuck into this AFCON, which started a few days ago. I think we're ready.
In this kind of tournament, the first match is often very important...
Yoane Wissa: Yes, the first match is very important because it gets you into the tournament and sets the tempo. We can't wait to get started and, above all, to do it in the best possible way.
Read also: AFCON 2023 - Wissa: "I absolutely have to be part of it"
So far we've seen a lot of the big names held. Is that in the back of your mind?
Yoane Wissa: That's what the AFCON is about too. There are good teams taking part. Sides don't come as tourists, which is why you have to be ready from the start. We saw it earlier with Tunisia's defeat to Namibia. There are no minnows, you have to respect everyone and be ready from the off. We know what's in store now.
DR Congo have raised a lot of expectation among the fans. Does that put pressure on the team?
Yoane Wissa: The important thing is to be united and tight-knit around the team. We'll give everything on the pitch and try to make our country proud. It will mean tough matches, but it's up to us to show we're strong and go out and win games.