The DRC still has to wait to win a third African Cup of Nations after those won in 1968 and 1974. Indeed, the Leopards were eliminated by Algeria in the eighth finals after a defeat (1-0) conceded in the last minute of extratime.
A defeat that hurts in terms of the scenario.
'We are necessarily disappointed with the outcome of the match. The players gave everything but it didn’t work out. If we had lost in regulation time, the regrets would not be as great; we regret a lot because we had opportunities to score, we didn’t do it; that’s how it is. I have nothing to reproach my players, we must keep our heads up,"
said the Leopards' coach, Sébastien Desabre.
Not better than in Côte d'Ivoire but better tactically and mentally
This elimination from the eighth final in Morocco can be considered a failure for the Leopards, after being semi-finalists in Côte d'Ivoire during the last edition. But in this elimination, it is necessary to draw the best side of things to know, the great tactical and mental progression of the team.
In 4 matches played, the Leopards have a record of two wins and two draws against two great nations of African football, namely Senegal (1-1) and Algeria (0-0), which only managed to win at the end of the prolongations. Author of a goal in this competition, Cédric Bakambu says "to be proud of (his) team".
Even the Congolese public recognized the value of the Leopards who gave everything to the end.
“It’s true that we are eliminated, but I want to congratulate and encourage the team who gave everything. The players played well but there was a little fatigue at the end. We will come back very strongly. Today, the team has a certain confidence and the future is bright for our national selection,"
said Raymond, a Congolese fan in Rabat.
Make way for the 2026 World Cup
After this elimination, the Leopards have already turned to their next big milestone of the year, the intercontinental World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Captain Chancel Mbemba was confident about the future of the team.
“Now that our AFCON is over for us, we forget and focus on the World Cup playoffs. Our goal is to win this qualification for the 2026 World Cup and we will succeed,"
he said.
The DRC will therefore have the opportunity in March 2026 to offer Africa a tenth place at the 2026 World Cup. to do this, The Leopards will have to win, on March 31, against the winner of the confrontation between Jamaica and New Caledonia.
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Philemon MBALE
Rédacteur sportif
Passionné de sport depuis toujours, partage avec vous les dernières actualités et analyses du monde sportif.