AFCON 2023 - DR Congo: Leopards unfazed ahead of Morocco clash
DR Congo face Morocco on matchday 2 of the group stage at AFCON 2023 and are looking to get a result.
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- Gédéon Kalulu (DR Congo defender)
Looking back, how do you assess the draw you conceded against Zambia?
Luck went slightly against us. Despite the number of chances we had, we weren't as clinical as we'd hoped. Now we have total faith in our strikers and we hope that tomorrow (this Sunday, editor's note) we can supply them well with the ball so they rediscover their sharpness and finish the job.
Morocco are opponents you know well. There was that play-off to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Don't they have a psychological edge over you?
No, not at all. We're footballers, that's what we play for. We play for this kind of game against opponents of this calibre. It's a good test for us, to let us see where we stand after a while. Above all, there's excitement at the prospect of getting this game under way.
Find the full AFCON 2023 schedule here
- Charles Pickel (DR Congo midfielder)
How is the group ahead of facing Morocco?
We're confident. We can't wait to get out on the pitch and give our best.
What will it take to beat Morocco?
First of all, being physically ready and sticking to our game plan, because they're a big opponent. We've analysed their team's play well and we know how to beat them. Now we have to do everything to put it into practice on the pitch.
In which areas will the battle be decided?
For this kind of game you have to be ready in every respect. Tactically and physically, but mentally too. Otherwise it will be hard to get a result.
- Samuel Moutoussamy (midfielder DR Congo)
Morocco are now a tough proposition. How are you approaching this game?
We're happy to be playing this Morocco side, because it also gives us the chance to show what we're capable of against good teams. It's always important for us to test our team against this kind of opponent.
What will DR Congo's ambition be in this game?
We're going in with a game plan, with something that, we hope, will cause this team problems. We're going in with ambition. Even though they remain the favourites for the competition, the favourites for the match.
Against an opponent of this calibre, isn't the team's style likely to be more defensive than usual?
No. We play on the front foot because we have attacking qualities and certainties. We have players who know how to score goals, who know how to create chances. So we have to play to the strengths of those players and that's what the coach is trying to do.