AFCON 2015: DR Congo to Face Equatorial Guinea Without Injured Star Mbokani
By BBC Sport Africa
DR Congo will be without star striker Dieumerci Mbokani for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off against host nation Equatorial Guinea. The forward, who has scored three goals during the tournament, sustained a muscle injury to his right thigh during the Leopards’ semi-final defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.
Mbokani, 29, was forced to leave the pitch in the second half of the 3-1 loss after initially attempting to play through the pain. Speaking to Top Congo FM, the Dynamo Kyiv striker revealed he is now focused on recovery.
“I was in a lot of pain last night, but I’m feeling a little better,” Mbokani said. “My doctor advised me not to push myself or risk aggravating the injury further. I’ll be returning to Belgium very soon for treatment.”
Mbokani’s absence will be a significant blow to DR Congo, who have relied on his experience and finishing throughout their impressive AFCON 2015 campaign. His three goals — including a brace in the dramatic quarter-final comeback against Congo-Brazzaville — were key to guiding the Leopards to their first semi-final since 1998.
Podium at Stake Amid Security Concerns
Saturday’s third-place match will be held in Malabo, the same stadium where serious crowd trouble erupted during the semi-final between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea. CAF has placed the host nation on notice, warning that any further fan disturbances will result in matches being played behind closed doors.
With tensions still high and emotions raw after Equatorial Guinea’s heavy defeat to Ghana, the match is expected to be tightly managed by security officials.
For DR Congo, the focus remains on ending the tournament on a high note, even without their top scorer. Coach Florent Ibengé is likely to turn to the likes of Jeremy Bokila and Yannick Bolasie to provide the attacking threat in Mbokani’s absence.
