The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has emerged as the formidable challenger in the ongoing 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), scripting an impressive narrative by ousting Egypt in the round of 16 and securing a resounding victory against Guinea in the quarter-finals. Now, the Leopards, under the tutelage of coach Sébastien Desabre, are poised to face the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, in a pivotal semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 7 at 8 p.m. GMT.
Drawing parallels with the historic triumphs of the past, the DR Congo harbors ambitions of replicating the feats achieved in the 1968 AFCON held in Ethiopia and the 1974 edition in Egypt.
Notably, the Leopards clinched their inaugural AFCON title in Ethiopia after eliminating the host nation in the semi-finals before securing victory over Ghana in the final.
Six years later, in 1974, the DRC once again played the role of giant-killer by overcoming the host country, Egypt, in the semi-finals before prevailing against Zambia in the final to claim their second continental title.
In 2024, history seems poised to repeat itself as the DR Congo faces Ivory Coast, the current host country, in the semi-final showdown.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Chancel Mbemba’s formidable squad can defy the odds once more and secure a third upset against the host nation in the semi-final encounter.
The anticipation surrounding this clash is palpable, evoking memories of past triumphs and setting the stage for a potentially historic moment in the ongoing AFCON 2023.
Football enthusiasts around the continent eagerly await the outcome of this compelling semi-final clash, curious to witness if the Leopards of the DR Congo can etch another chapter of glory in the annals of African football history.
The rendezvous on Wednesday promises a spectacle as both teams vie for the coveted ticket to the grand finale of the 34th African Cup of Nations.
