The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia in Group F of AFCON 2023, Chancel Mbemba, the seasoned captain of the Leopards, shared his insights and confidence in a pre-match conference.
Mbemba, a stalwart defender with Marseille, delivered a resolute message, asserting that the DRC squad harbors no fear of Zambia’s attacking prowess.
He set an assertive tone for the impending battle, emphasizing the team’s readiness to showcase their capabilities on the field during the clash scheduled for Wednesday.
Addressing the media, Mbemba expressed pride in the DRC’s journey to the tournament, highlighting the significant progress made during the qualifiers.
The Leopards, rising from a challenging start to topping their qualifying group, have earned the opportunity to compete at AFCON 2023.
“We are not afraid of the Zambian attack. We will wait until tomorrow to show what we are capable of,” stated Mbemba confidently, underlining the determination within the squad.
The Marseille defender urged the Congolese people to remember the team’s remarkable journey, emphasizing the resilience displayed in overcoming early setbacks during the playoffs.
Acknowledging the importance of the upcoming matches, Mbemba declared, “We have three finals to play before thinking about the next step.”
He called on the squad, especially the young players, to seize the opportunity, offering advice to the newcomers to surpass his own achievements in representing the national team.
As the DRC gears up for their inaugural match against Zambia on Wednesday at 5 p.m. GMT, Chancel Mbemba’s words reflect the team’s unwavering determination and commitment to making a significant impact in the ongoing AFCON 2023 tournament.