Florent Ibengue Celebrates Historic Win as DR Congo Stuns Côte d’Ivoire
Florent Ibengue masterminded a remarkable victory for DR Congo on Wednesday, as his side defeated Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 on their own turf in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The result came as a surprise to many, especially following DR Congo’s lackluster performance just days earlier, but Ibengue’s young squad showed resilience and determination to secure an unforgettable win.
“We remained solid in defense in the first half, but as our team is young, it has the qualities and the defects of youth,” said Ibengue, reflecting on the rollercoaster nature of the match. “We let the old Ivorian veterans come back into the game, but we were able to score again and win the match.”
Ibengue’s joy was palpable after the final whistle, as he acknowledged the historical nature of the victory. “There are not many teams that come to beat Ivory Coast on its soil, we did it, we must be pleased about that,” he remarked.
Despite the elation of securing such a significant win, the Congolese coach remains grounded, aware that his team is in the midst of a rebuilding process. “The road is still long, and there is much work to be done,” Ibengue said. “But this victory is an important step forward.”
The victory over the Ivory Coast, a traditionally strong team in African football, serves as a testament to the potential of DR Congo’s squad under Ibengue’s leadership. As the team continues its journey through the qualifiers, the win will undoubtedly boost their confidence and morale for the challenges ahead.
