This Sunday, March 24th, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosts Liberia at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte in Kinshasa for the sixth matchday of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The stakes could not be higher for the Leopards, who currently trail the Lone Stars in Group G. A win is imperative; any other result would eliminate DR Congo from contention for the AFCON finals in Egypt.
Coach Jean-Florent Ibenge emphasized the importance of the encounter: “This is a very important match for us because we have to be in Egypt. We only have one alternative, and that is to win. We must go onto the pitch with that mindset. We have been preparing since the beginning of the week so that on Sunday we can focus solely on the match in every aspect to bring back the three points.”
For DR Congo, victory is the only acceptable outcome. Ibenge, who has been at the helm of the Leopards for several years, has instilled a philosophy of discipline, resilience, and attacking intent. The team is expected to approach the game with confidence and maturity, understanding the weight of the moment while maintaining composure under pressure.
Captain Youssouf Mulumbu echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the need for focus and clinical execution: “We no longer have weak teams in Africa, and we mustn’t underestimate our opponent. We have a good group where we’ve developed a lot. We’re mature now, and we feel it in training, but also in what all our teammates say. It’s important for us to approach this match with a lot of maturity. It will also be up to us to manage the game, to attack, and to move forward when necessary. We have to be clinical, as the English say. When we need to score, we have to do it, and the same goes for when we need to defend. We are confident, and we have all the tools to beat this Liberian team.”
The Leopards face a motivated Liberian side, the Lone Stars, who sit above them in the standings and only need a draw to maintain their position. Liberia’s squad includes key players such as William Jebor and Mohammed Sangaré, and while they are without star striker Anthony Laffor due to suspension, they remain a dangerous opponent capable of challenging DR Congo’s ambitions.
With qualification hanging in the balance, the Leopards must combine tactical discipline, attacking sharpness, and defensive solidity. Every moment of the match could decide the fate of both teams in Group G. For DR Congo, this is a final opportunity to secure a place in Egypt and join the continent’s elite teams in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
As kickoff approaches, the expectations in Kinshasa are high. Fans will be looking for a performance that reflects DR Congo’s tradition of passionate and aggressive football, with players delivering their best in what is effectively a do-or-die encounter. Victory is the only path forward for the Leopards, and the team is determined to rise to the occasion.
