DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has played down any talk of revenge as his side prepares to face Senegal in a decisive Group D encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The meeting comes only months after the Leopards were beaten by the Lions of Teranga during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, a setback that still lingers in the memories of many supporters.
Yet, speaking at the pre-match press conference in Tangier, Desabre was keen to reframe the narrative and shift attention firmly to the task ahead.
“Naturally, we take into account what has happened, but our focus is primarily on the present, and even, as I have emphasized, on the future,” the French coach said, making it clear that past disappointments would not define his team’s mindset going into the contest.
He went on to stress that Senegal’s reputation, formidable though it may be, would not alter his side’s approach.
“Whether it’s Senegal today or any other major African team, since the teams are now playing at a comparable level, our approach remains the same. We remain focused in the same way, without making any particular distinction,” Desabre added.
Both sides arrive at the Grand Stade de Tanger in buoyant mood, having secured victories in their opening group matches.
DR Congo overcame Benin, while Senegal dispatched Botswana, leaving the pair level at the top of Group D.
With qualification for the knockout phase potentially within reach, Saturday’s fixture has taken on added importance, even if the Leopards’ coach is keen to avoid any emotional framing.
For Desabre, the emphasis is on continuity and discipline rather than settling old scores.
His comments suggest a belief that African football has entered a phase of parity, where the gap between traditional heavyweights and emerging contenders has narrowed.
That perspective underpins his insistence that the Leopards must prepare for Senegal in the same manner as they would any opponent, without being distracted by previous outcomes or external narratives.
The coach’s measured tone also reflects a desire to shield his players from unnecessary pressure.
The memory of the World Cup qualifying defeat might be a tempting hook for fans and media alike, but Desabre’s message is that progress lies in refusing to dwell on it.
Instead, he wants his squad to channel their energy into the present challenge and the broader objective of advancing deep into the tournament.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm GMT, and with both teams sitting on three points, the outcome could go a long way towards determining who tops the group.
A draw would keep matters finely balanced, while victory for either side would place them in a commanding position heading into the final round of fixtures.
In Tangier, the stage is set for a high-stakes encounter between two sides in form.
Yet, if Desabre’s words are any indication, DR Congo will not be stepping onto the pitch driven by memories of past defeats.
Instead, they intend to look ahead, trusting in preparation, focus and belief that the future — not the past — will shape their AFCON journey.
