DR Congo Coach Florent Ibenge: “Our Only Objective Is Zambia”
As the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, DR Congo is taking a grounded and focused approach. Drawn in Group B alongside Zambia, Cape Verde, and Tunisia, the Leopards are choosing not to set lofty tournament goals. Instead, head coach Florent Ibenge is insisting on a match-by-match mindset.
“We are approaching it with a single objective: to focus first on the match against Zambia,” said Ibenge. “We will take it as it comes. Unlike other teams who have an overall objective, ours is to play the match that comes up and we will get on with it. Like the match on January 18 against Zambia, for which we are focused. And then we will focus on the next match against Cape Verde.”
The Congolese squad is building some momentum, having defeated Cameroonian club Apejes 2-1 in their final warm-up match. Prior to that, they also beat Dragon Yaoundé (3-1). The team now shifts its attention fully to Ebebiyin, where they will face Zambia on January 18.
“We are leaving for Malabo tomorrow and then joining Ebebiyin where we will carry out some training sessions to wait for the match against Zambia,” Ibenge confirmed.
While not widely tipped as favorites, the Leopards are hoping a step-by-step strategy will guide them through a competitive group and possibly beyond.
