Managers of the Egyptian and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national teams have shared their thoughts on the anticipated encounter scheduled at Loran Boco Stadium on Sunday, as part of the Round of 16 in the African Cup of Nations hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.
The Congo team re-enters the competition after its last appearance in 2019, having not secured a victory in the group stage and settling for draws in all three matches.
On the other side, Egypt advanced to this stage with three draws, facing challenges with key players like Mohamed Salah, Mohamed El-Shenawy, and Imam Ashour sustaining injuries in the group stage, complicating the task for the Pharaohs against Congo.
Roy Vitoria, Egypt’s coach, stated his perspective on the Congo match, saying, “It’s an important match, but it’s no different from the last three games.
After our arrival here, we knew we’d only have finals, so there will be another final against Congo.”
Regarding the Congo team, Vitoria added, “They are a good team, and it will be challenging to beat them.
We are ready, but not 100 percent due to the injuries our players have suffered, and we have to deal with that.”
Concluding his remarks, Egypt’s coach said, “We’ve had a bit of bad luck from the start, but that’s football.
We are ambitious and will put our capabilities to the test. All teams in this competition are equal.”
Sebastien Desabre, Congo’s coach, acknowledged Egypt’s status as favorites, saying, “It’s clear that Egypt is the favorite in this match.
We will be adventurers, and this position suits us as well.
The game will be tough because we know Egypt’s potential. However, we also know that we have the ability to progress.
We know what we need to improve.”
Desabre emphasized that, “So far, we’ve shown some interesting things, but they haven’t necessarily been verified through victories.
It will be a do-or-die match.
We must do everything we can to win. Our players are enthusiastic about it.
We will apply our playing style.
We want to show everyone that the Republic of Congo is back.”
