DR Congo’s coach, Sébastien Desabre, has expressed his ambitious aspirations for the Leopards in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. Speaking to the CAF communications department, the French coach emphasized his desire to make history with the team, aiming to reach the final, a feat the Leopards achieved 40 years ago.
Desabre, determined to lead the Leopards to new heights, shared his dual objectives for the competition.
“We are going to enter the competition with a double objective: to go as far as possible and continue to work on the renewal of our team,” he stated in an interview with CafOnline.
The French technician acknowledges the historical significance of this campaign, with the Leopards last reaching the AFCON final four decades ago, having secured semi-final berths in 1998 and 2015.
Desabre’s vision extends beyond the tournament, focusing on the long-term development of the squad.
Despite a challenging start in the AFCON 2023 qualifiers, with two consecutive defeats, the arrival of Sébastien Desabre injected a new dynamic into the team, resulting in commendable performances that secured their place in the competition.
Desabre shed light on the reconstruction phase the team is undergoing, emphasizing the dual objectives of rebuilding and performing.
Originally planning for AFCON 2025 due to disappointing progress in the qualifiers, the Leopards find themselves participating in the 34th edition of the AFCON, showcasing the resilience and determination of the team.
As the Leopards arrived at their base camp in San Pedro, sharing Group F with Morocco, Zambia, and Tanzania, Desabre expressed confidence in the team’s preparation.
The coach highlighted the positive mindset within the squad, noting the mix of experienced players and those set to experience their first AFCON, creating an atmosphere of freshness and great motivation to represent their country.
DR Congo commences its AFCON 2023 campaign on January 17 against Zambia, followed by clashes with Morocco on January 21 and Tanzania on January 24, marking the culmination of the group stage in Korhogo.
The Leopards, under Desabre’s guidance, are poised for a tournament where they aim not only to compete but to make a significant impact on the continent’s premier football stage.
