AFCON 2015: Congo Derby Set for Quarter-Finals as Brazzaville Meets Kinshasa
By BBC Sport Africa | February 3, 2015
One of Africa’s fiercest and most symbolic rivalries will take centre stage in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, as the Republic of Congo prepares to face neighbours the Democratic Republic of Congo in a high-stakes derby.
The two nations—whose capitals, Brazzaville and Kinshasa, sit just seven kilometres apart on opposite banks of the Congo River—will meet in Bata on January 31 in what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the tournament.
Congo, known as the Red Devils, topped Group A after an impressive unbeaten run that included a shock victory over host nation Equatorial Guinea and a draw with favourites Burkina Faso. DR Congo, nicknamed the Leopards, scraped through Group B as runners-up after drawing all three of their group matches but qualifying on goal difference.
Despite the contrasting paths to the knockout stage, DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge believes his side has the tools to overcome their well-drilled neighbours.
“We will continue to believe in our strengths, even if we have weaknesses,” Ibenge told Radio Okapi. “We will face a very compact and difficult team, with a pair of very complementary attackers—one tall, who can hold the ball up, and one very fast. In midfield, they work hard with a strong four. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re going there with the firm intention of qualifying.”
The tactical respect between the two sides adds another layer of intrigue to a fixture already brimming with history and regional pride. Despite their close proximity, this will be the first meeting between the two Congos in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, turning a familiar rivalry into a continental clash with high stakes.
For both teams, the encounter is more than just a football match—it’s a battle for national pride, a cultural celebration, and a rare opportunity to outshine their closest neighbour on Africa’s biggest stage.
Kick-off for the quarter-final derby is scheduled for 16:00 UTC in Bata. With form, history, and emotion all in play, this Congo River derby promises to deliver one of the standout moments of AFCON 2015.
