AFCON 2015 Qualifiers: DR Congo and Ivory Coast in High-Stakes Showdown in Kinshasa
Kinshasa — The Tata-Raphaël Stadium sets the stage for a crucial Group D clash as DR Congo host Ivory Coast on Matchday 3 of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Both teams are level on three points and chasing group leaders Cameroon, who sit on six.
The Leopards, buoyed by their recent win over Sierra Leone, are determined to seize the home advantage and leapfrog the Ivorians in the standings. Coach Florent Ibenge’s side will aim to build on their growing momentum and grab a vital three points in front of a passionate home crowd.
Ivory Coast, meanwhile, arrive in Kinshasa looking to bounce back from a humbling 4-1 defeat to Cameroon. The Elephants, led by talisman Yaya Touré, know a result is essential to keep their qualification hopes on track.
Starting Line-ups:
Ivory Coast:
Barry – Aurier, Kessié, Diara, Tiéné – Tioté, Yaya Touré, Romaric – Gradel, Gervinho, Bony
DR Congo:
Kidiaba – Isama, Mbemba, Mongongu, Kasusula – Zola, Mulumbu, Lusadisu, Mabwati – Mubele, Bolasie
All eyes will be on the attacking prowess of DR Congo’s Yannick Bolasie and Ivory Coast’s Gervinho, with both sides possessing the firepower to tilt the match in their favor. The outcome of this fixture could shape the rest of the qualification campaign for both nations.
Kick-off promises fireworks in a match with qualification implications and pride on the line.