DR Congo coach Desabre won’t underestimate Sierra Leone in AFCON qualifying double-header

DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has set a target of collecting 12 points from their six matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Leopards prepare to face Sierra Leone on Thursday, November 12.

Desabre outlined his ambition during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, November 11, ahead of the Group E encounter scheduled to take place at the Stade des Martyrs.

The French tactician believes securing victory against Sierra Leone would represent another significant step towards qualification for the continental showpiece, potentially putting DR Congo in a strong position before the end of the qualifying campaign.

However, despite the importance of the fixture, Desabre has warned his players against becoming complacent, insisting that Sierra Leone deserve respect and that his team cannot afford to take anything for granted.

“We are on a six-match run. Our aim is to have 12 points at the end of these six matches and to secure qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations. Thursday’s match against Sierra Leone is very important for the DRC. A victory for the Leopards would bring them closer to qualification ahead of schedule. But there is no question of counting our chickens before they hatch. So there’s no question of taking anything lightly,” he said.

The Leopards head into the third matchday sitting top of Group E with six points after winning their opening two qualifying fixtures.

Their impressive start has placed them in a favourable position, and another victory would strengthen their grip on the group while taking them closer to achieving Desabre’s 12-point target.

DR Congo will therefore be keen to maintain their winning momentum when they welcome Sierra Leone, knowing that a positive result could further boost their qualification prospects.

Desabre, however, will be demanding another disciplined performance from his players as they seek to avoid any slip-up against a Sierra Leone side equally determined to improve its position in the group.

With the qualifying campaign still having several matches to run, the Leopards will be focused on taking each fixture as it comes, beginning with Thursday’s important showdown at the Stade des Martyrs.