DR Congo coach Otis Ngoma rallies players ahead of CHAN 2024 opener against hosts Kenya

DR Congo head coach Otis Ngoma has urged his players to remain focused and resilient as they prepare to face tournament hosts Kenya in their opening Group C match at CHAN 2024 on Sunday, 3 August.

The Leopards, two-time champions of the African Nations Championship, arrive in Kenya with ambitions of reclaiming continental glory, but their preparations have been far from ideal.

Speaking to the press ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Ngoma admitted the team has had to contend with a shortened training window and unexpected challenges in assembling a fully fit squad.

“We’re trying to make do with what we have,” the Congolese coach stated frankly. “It’s not a traditional preparation, but we’ve worked with the players we know and relied on the strength of some of them to build a surgical preparation.”

Ngoma acknowledged the physical condition of his players played a major role in the final squad selection. Several players, he explained, arrived in camp physically drained, having endured intense schedules with their respective clubs.

With a heavy focus on preventing injuries, the coaching staff took a cautious approach when finalising the roster.

“My staff and I couldn’t risk selecting them to avoid possible injuries,” Ngoma said, underlining the importance of fielding a team capable of coping with the intensity of tournament football from the outset.

Despite the challenges, DR Congo enter the tournament with confidence drawn from their rich history in the competition. Champions in 2009 and again in 2016, the Leopards have often risen to the occasion in CHAN tournaments, and Ngoma is banking on that experience and mental strength to push his side through.

Sunday’s fixture against Kenya is expected to be a stern test, with the host nation enjoying the backing of a home crowd and eager to make a strong start. The match is scheduled for 12:00 GMT at one of the host venues in Nairobi, where Kenya will be hoping to use the occasion to energise their own campaign.

For DR Congo, the focus will be on overcoming their limited build-up and leveraging their tactical cohesion and tournament pedigree. Ngoma, while realistic about the uphill task, remains optimistic about the quality and determination within his squad.

“We may not have had the ideal preparation, but the motivation is there. The players understand the responsibility of representing DR Congo on this stage,” he added.

The Leopards will be leaning on a mix of experience and emerging domestic talent as they aim to make an early statement. With group matches set to come thick and fast, every point will be vital, and Ngoma knows that a strong performance in the opener could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

As CHAN 2024 kicks off in East Africa, all eyes will be on Nairobi this Sunday as one of Africa’s most successful CHAN sides takes on the tournament hosts in what promises to be a spirited and competitive encounter.