Mulumbu Urges Calm as DRC Seek to Rebound in AFCON Qualifiers
Youssouf Mulumbu has called for calm and focus as the Democratic Republic of Congo look to recover from a disappointing start to their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Leopards suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Cameroon in their Group D opener, a result that leaves them with an uphill battle to secure a place at the tournament in Morocco.
Facing a Cameroon side rejuvenated after a poor World Cup, Mulumbu admitted his team showed signs of inexperience, particularly in the opening half.
“It was very hard because we were eager to start the competition well,” the DRC captain said after the match. “We were too tense in the first half and I think we respected them too much. That’s why I’m more than disappointed — we didn’t lose to a team that was better than us. They were just more experienced.”
The West Bromwich Albion midfielder, however, remains resolute in his belief that DR Congo can still qualify for the finals.
“My objective hasn’t changed,” he insisted. “I want to take this team to the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a championship — we lost the first game, but maybe we’ll win the next five. I’d rather that than win the first two and collapse afterwards.”
Mulumbu stressed the need for composure and a renewed sense of purpose ahead of their second group match against Sierra Leone, scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September in Lubumbashi.
“We’re going to fight. What we need to do now is win against Sierra Leone,” he said. “We’re going to adopt the turtle strategy: retreat into our shell, stay quiet, train hard and come back stronger.”
The Leopards, who also face Ivory Coast later in the group, will need a strong response to avoid missing out on the continent’s premier football competition for a second consecutive edition.
Cameroon, meanwhile, showed signs of revival under new coach Volker Finke following a disappointing World Cup campaign. Goals from Clinton N’Jie and Vincent Aboubakar sealed the win in Kinshasa, placing the Indomitable Lions at the top of the group after the first round of matches.
DR Congo will hope that home advantage in Lubumbashi provides the boost they need against a Sierra Leone side also looking to get points on the board.
As the stakes rise, Mulumbu’s leadership and belief will be key if the Leopards are to claw their way back into contention for a place in Morocco next year.
