AFCON 2015 – Youssuf Mulumbu: “Congo Was Superior to Zambia”
Despite a 1–1 draw against Zambia in their opening Group B match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo captain Youssuf Mulumbu expressed clear frustration and disappointment after the final whistle.
“We showed character, ego, pride,” said the West Bromwich Albion midfielder in an interview with Canal+. “At half-time, the coach was disappointed, especially compared to what we showed in preparation. We were a little tense, we missed a lot of things in the last and penultimate gestures.”
Zambia had shocked the Leopards by scoring through Given Singuluma in the first minute — the fastest goal of the tournament. But from that point forward, the Congolese took control of the match, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. The pressure eventually paid off in the second half, when Yannick Bolasie fired in the equalizer.
Mulumbu believes the performance deserved more than just a single point.
“I think Congo was superior to Zambia. We missed some things, but I think we succeeded more. We have to keep working for the next matches.”
With all four teams in Group B locked on one point after the first round of matches, everything remains open. DR Congo faces Cape Verde next — and with a more clinical finishing touch, the Leopards will be aiming to turn dominance into victory.