Sébastien Desabre: 'a very useful camp'
The DR Congo coach spoke to Sport News Africa after the friendlies as his side prepare for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
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Your team played two matches against opponents with very different characteristics. Was that instructive for you?
Yes. It makes a change to face a side from another confederation. It was very interesting to play New Zealand (1-1), a good, athletic team with quite a few players based in England, Scotland and the United States. I think we should have won, were it not for that controversial penalty given against us in the closing minutes. Angola, we know them well, they're a well-organised, solid side.
You had called up several new players for this camp. How did they settle in?
For the technical staff, these camps and friendlies are a chance to test new players, or to have another look at some. That's why they matter. This camp in Europe was useful. I did indeed call up several new faces: goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud (Montpellier, France), Brian Bayeye (Ascoli, Italy), Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion, England) and Jonathan Okita (FC Zurich, Switzerland). They fitted in well, and they all got some playing time.
'I found Bakambu very committed'
Despite his limited playing time at Galatasaray Istanbul, Cédric Bakambu was present for this get-together…
Yes, and he scored against New Zealand, he showed some interesting things. Cédric proved very committed, he's a quality striker and very attached to the Congolese national team.
Other players, such as Chadrac Akolo and Yoane Wissa, were absent. Does that mean you're almost spoilt for choice…
In any case, I have options, and that's a good thing. Players who are used to being selected weren't there, and there were some new faces. And I can't take everyone.
The Africa Cup of Nations (13 January-11 February 2024 in Ivory Coast) is approaching, and the selections of the qualified teams' coaches will be closely watched before the squad lists are published. Do you already have your team in mind?
In broad terms, yes. But between now and then, there may be injuries, or players who are no longer getting game time, and so on. That's why I have to try things out and look at players, or look at them again. There are two matches in November in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, against Mauritania in Kinshasa and against Sudan. Then we'll hold a camp, probably in the Persian Gulf, before the Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches.
Alexis Billebault