DR Congo Set to Face Uganda in Group A Opener at AFCON 2019
This Saturday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will begin their campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a crucial opening match against Uganda in Group A. The Leopards, a team with a proud history in African football, are eager to make a strong impression in Egypt, where the continent’s biggest tournament is being contested for the first time with 24 teams.
The DRC enters this year’s tournament with ambition and experience. In 2015, many analysts tipped the Leopards as serious contenders, but their campaign ended in the semi-finals at the hands of eventual champions Ivory Coast. That disappointment, however, has become a valuable learning experience for the team. Bronze medalists in 2015 and quarter-finalists in 2017, the Leopards are determined to improve upon past performances.
“DR Congo’s past in this competition has been very good, and I think we made a few mistakes,” said midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, reflecting on the team’s previous AFCON runs. “We’re making sure that doesn’t happen again. If we correct the small things we were missing, we can reach the final, or we can win. I’m very confident because we went through so much during the qualifiers, and that was a good thing for us because it made us stronger.”
The team’s qualification for AFCON 2019 demonstrates their consistency. Drawn in a challenging qualifying group alongside Zimbabwe, Liberia, and Congo, the Leopards finished second, securing their spot in Egypt. Key results included draws against Zimbabwe (1-1) and Congo (1-1), followed by a decisive home victory over Liberia (1-0). These results underlined the squad’s resilience and ability to grind out crucial points under pressure.
Under the guidance of coach Jean-Florent Ibenge, now in his third consecutive AFCON campaign with the team, the Leopards are aiming to blend experience with tactical discipline. Ibenge’s leadership has helped shape a team capable of competing at the highest level of African football. Players like Youssouf Mulumbu provide stability and composure in midfield, while striker Cédric Bakambu brings pace and goal-scoring threat. Together, they form the backbone of a team looking to go further than they have in recent tournaments.
Group A promises to be a competitive and unpredictable stage. Alongside the DRC, the group features host nation Egypt, the ever-dangerous Zimbabwe, and the industrious Uganda Cranes. For the Leopards, the opening match against Uganda is critical, setting the tone for the rest of the group stage. A strong start could boost morale and momentum as they aim to progress to the knockout rounds and ultimately challenge for the title.
As Africa’s eyes turn to Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo will be keen to demonstrate that they have learned from the past and are ready to compete at the highest level. With experience, tactical discipline, and ambition, the Leopards hope to write a new chapter in their AFCON history, starting with a victory over Uganda this Saturday.
