AFCON 2025: Samuel Moutoussamy says DRC aims to challenge Senegal in Group D clash
The Democratic Republic of Congo will face Senegal on Saturday in a crucial Group D match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with both teams eyeing direct qualification to the knockout stage.
DRC midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy emphasized his team’s determination to prove they can compete with Africa’s top sides.
“Right now, we’re focusing on recovery to ensure we’re in the best possible shape for the match,” Moutoussamy said at a pre-game press conference.
“We know Senegal well; we’ve played them several times and are aware of their quality. Our objective is to qualify for the next round, and the fastest way is to win all our group matches. That is our focus.”
The DRC’s previous encounter with Senegal in Kinshasa ended in a dramatic 3-2 defeat, after initially leading 2-3. Moutoussamy highlighted the significance of this rematch, describing it as more than just another group game.
“This match has a special feel because Senegal is one of the biggest teams in Africa. We want to put on a strong performance, show them that we can compete, and prove we are capable of beating them,” he added.
Both DRC and Senegal secured victories in their opening group matches, making this Saturday’s game pivotal for topping the group and securing a more advantageous path in the tournament.
Moutoussamy stressed that the team remains focused on performance rather than intimidation. “We want to show Senegal that we can cause them problems. We know our strengths, and we’ll play to them,” he said.
The DRC camp is approaching the game with cautious optimism, combining tactical preparation with the motivation to overturn past results.
For Moutoussamy and his teammates, Saturday represents an opportunity not just for points, but for respect on the continental stage, aiming to demonstrate that they can challenge Africa’s elite.
This encounter promises to be a high-intensity clash, with both teams aware that the winner will gain a critical advantage in Group D and strengthen its momentum heading into the knockout phase.
