DR Congo Secure Quarter-Final Spot at CHAN 2016
DR Congo have confirmed their place in the quarter-finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship after a convincing win over Angola on Thursday. The Leopards, who opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory against Ethiopia, continued their strong start by defeating Angola 4-2, setting up a third-day clash with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions on January 25 in Group B.
Despite already qualifying, coach Florent Ibenge insists his team will approach the match against Cameroon with the same intensity and focus. “No two matches are the same. Each day is a day of struggle. We have to beat Cameroon. It will be another match and another way of playing,” Ibenge said, as reported by universfm.org. “We’re trying to impose our style of play while making it difficult for our opponents. Everyone is giving their best. The team continues to improve.”
Ibenge emphasised that the Leopards will not take their opponents lightly, even with a quarter-final berth already secured. “Against Cameroon, we don’t have to make any calculations. We want to win. We’ll play with the same mindset. We’ll be determined to win this match, even if we’ve already qualified. There will be changes in the team. That’s undeniable,” he added, highlighting the opportunity to rotate players and maintain fitness levels for the knockout stages.
Looking ahead, DR Congo aim to finish top of Group B, which would allow them to face the second-placed team from Group A in the quarter-finals. “I have no choice regarding the choice of future opponents in the quarter-finals. We will play the opponent that is offered to us with the same respect that we owe to all opponents,” Ibenge stressed.
With a blend of attacking flair and defensive organisation, DR Congo have demonstrated why they are among the favourites for this year’s tournament. Their strong start ensures they enter the knockout stage with confidence and momentum, while the upcoming game against Cameroon provides an opportunity to consolidate their position at the summit of Group B.
The Leopards’ disciplined approach and determination to play each match to its fullest potential underline their ambition to go deep into the tournament, keeping fans and rivals alike on notice as CHAN 2016 progresses.
