Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are set to renew their rivalry, echoing memories of their 2015 encounter. Former Ivory Coast international Wilfried Kanon, who played a pivotal role in the 2015 semi-final, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Sports News Africa, offering a nuanced perspective on the upcoming showdown in Abidjan.
Reflecting on the impending match, Kanon expressed the significance of the fixture, emphasizing the camaraderie between the two nations.
He commended the DRC’s commendable journey under Coach Desabre, acknowledging their return to the semi-finals after a nine-year hiatus.
Despite recognizing the DRC’s prowess, Kanon, a proud Ivorian, conveyed his hope for an Ivory Coast victory, fueling the enthusiasm surrounding the ongoing AFCON.
Addressing questions about the historical context, Kanon dismissed concerns about a repeat of the DRC’s victory over Ivory Coast in the 2015 qualifiers, emphasizing the evolution of football and the emergence of a new generation of players.
With an air of optimism, he expressed his desire for an outstanding performance from the current generation.
When questioned about Ivory Coast’s miraculous qualification for the round of 16, Kanon attributed their success to a warrior-like mentality, evident in their tenacity against Mali despite being numerically inferior.
He acknowledged the team’s awareness of the need to produce compelling results to delight the fans.
Contrary to considering Ivory Coast as the favorite, Kanon acknowledged the challenges of the CAN and expressed confidence in their chances. He underscored the team’s determination to fight for a spot in the final.
Speaking about the DRC’s journey, Kanon praised Coach Desabre’s experience and acknowledged the team’s potential under his guidance. While recognizing the Leopards’ capabilities, Kanon remained steadfast in his wish for an Ivorian victory.
Commenting on the audience impact, Kanon highlighted the significance of the crowd’s support, referring to the fans as the twelfth man.
He anticipated a positive impact for Ivory Coast, while acknowledging the DRC’s professionalism and the leadership of their captain, Chancel Mbemba.
Recalling Ivory Coast’s loss to the DRC in 2014, Kanon admitted it was a challenging moment. However, the subsequent victory in the 2015 semi-final, where he contributed with a crucial goal, allowed him to overcome the disappointment.
When asked about players in the current DRC squad, Kanon singled out Captain Chancel Mbemba for admiration, citing his defensive prowess, mentality, and leadership qualities.
As the footballing world awaits this exciting clash, Wilfried Kanon’s insights add an intriguing layer to the narrative, promising an exhilarating encounter between two African football powerhouses.
