DR Congo Eyes Historic Win Against Cameroon in High-Stakes AFCON Qualifier
Yaoundé, Cameroon – 15 November 2014
Group D of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers is set for a fiery showdown as Cameroon hosts the Democratic Republic of Congo in a clash of continental heavyweights. The match, taking place at Yaoundé’s Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, is a pivotal encounter on the fifth day of the qualifying campaign.
The Indomitable Lions, buoyed by strong home support, will be looking to cement their position at the top of the group. But the Leopards of DR Congo, still smarting from a 2-0 home defeat in the first leg in Lubumbashi, are arriving with a point to prove—and possibly a plan to rewrite history.
DR Congo’s head coach, Florent Ibenge, is confident his side can pull off a result, despite never having won in Yaoundé. Speaking ahead of the match, Ibenge stressed the importance of preparation and tactical discipline.
“We know the Cameroonian team, as they know us,” Ibenge told reporters. “We’ll adopt a 4-3-3 formation with a specific approach designed to put them in difficulty. The goal is to achieve a good result.”
Cameroon’s recent resurgence under coach Volker Finke has brought stability and optimism to a team rebuilding after a disappointing 2014 World Cup. The squad, featuring key players like Vincent Aboubakar and Stéphane Mbia, will look to replicate the form that earned them victory in Lubumbashi.
But Ibenge and his Leopards are not backing down. A win in Yaoundé would not only avenge the earlier loss but also mark a historic milestone—DR Congo has never recorded a victory in Cameroon’s capital. For Ibenge, that stat presents a challenge rather than a curse.
With the group standings still tight, the outcome of Saturday’s clash could be decisive in shaping qualification for next year’s tournament in Equatorial Guinea. Cameroon leads the group, while DR Congo remains in contention for a qualification spot, making this encounter more than just a grudge match—it’s a potential gateway to the finals.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes in African football will be on Yaoundé, where the Lions and Leopards are set to battle for supremacy in a true test of strength, tactics, and national pride.
