DR Congo’s Bokila: “Our Goal Is to Bring the Cup Back to Kinshasa!”
The Democratic Republic of Congo, who last lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1974, stand on the brink of making history once again. As they prepare to face Ivory Coast in tonight’s semi-final, striker Loteteka Bokila is confident that the Leopards can go all the way.
Speaking to Jeune Afrique, Bokila reflected on his team’s unexpected but inspiring journey:
“It’s great to have reached the semi-finals. Don’t forget that the DRC qualified as the best third-placed team, and in the first round, we only had draws! So, we can indeed say that the DRC has already succeeded in its CAN.”
But for Bokila, success doesn’t stop at the semis:
“We had the ambition to get here. And today, as we are going to face Côte d’Ivoire, the objective is to bring the cup back to Kinshasa!”
While acknowledging the challenge ahead—
“Ivory Coast is the favorite,”
—he emphasized mutual respect:
“We respect this team, just as it respects us.”
The Terek Grozny forward also addressed the DRC’s tendency to start slow in matches:
“We’re playing with fire a bit. If you score first, it can give you an advantage. Against an opponent like Ivory Coast, it would be better not to be behind…”
With passion, resilience, and belief, the Leopards are ready to battle for a spot in the AFCON 2015 final—and maybe even a new chapter of glory.
