The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team is on a quest for its first triumph in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The team is set to face Guinea on Friday in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Despite reaching the quarterfinals, the Democratic Republic of Congo has yet to secure a win in the competition.
The team drew 1-1 with Zambia in the first round of Group C and repeated the same scoreline against Morocco.
They concluded the group stage with a goalless draw against Tanzania.
However, they advanced to the Round of 16 by securing the second spot in the group behind Morocco.
In a dramatic encounter, they faced Egypt, a seven-time champion, and emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
Under the guidance of French coach Sébastien Desabre, the Congolese team relies on a roster of skilled professionals.
Key players include captain Chancel Mbemba, a defensive standout from Olympique de Marseille, Arthur Masuaku of Besiktas in Turkey, Silas Katompa Mvumpa from VfB Stuttgart, and striker Cédric Bakambu of Galatasaray.
Winger Yoane Wissa from Brentford in the English Premier League adds further strength to the squad.
Desabre and his team are acutely aware of the significance of securing a win.
The team understands that relying on a draw and heading into extra time may not be a secure strategy.
Their aim is to achieve their first victory in the tournament, a historic feat that would see them advance to the semi-finals for the first time since the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea, where they lost to eventual champions Ivory Coast.
The Congolese team has reason to be optimistic as they face Guinea.
The two teams crossed paths in the inaugural edition of 1974 in Egypt when Guinea, then known as Zaire, clinched their second title.
On the other side, Guinea is determined to capitalize on the high morale following their last-minute victory against Equatorial Guinea in the previous round.
A 1-0 win propelled them to the quarterfinals, marking the second time in their history after their first appearance in the 1976 edition in Ethiopia, where they reached the final but ultimately lost to Morocco.
