The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team, the Leopards, encounters an early setback. Coach Sébastien Desabre has been dealt a blow as central defender Dylan Batubinsika is ruled out for the crucial opening match against Zambia on January 17.
The unfortunate development stems from Batubinsika’s accumulation of yellow cards during the qualifying matches leading up to AFCON 2023.
The seasoned defender’s absence adds an element of challenge to the Leopards’ defensive lineup, prompting Desabre to reassess his strategy ahead of the tournament kick-off.
The void left by Batubinsika will be particularly felt in the clash against Zambia, a formidable opponent that demands a robust defensive unit.
The defender’s suspension raises concerns about the team’s defensive resilience in the critical opening fixture of Group F.
Despite the setback, the Leopards remain determined and focused on their campaign in the tournament.
The squad, under the guidance of coach Desabre, is set to depart for Ivory Coast on Friday, January 12, 2023. San Pedro will be the designated host city for Group F matches, providing the Leopards with an opportunity to regroup and strategize ahead of their initial encounter.
The absence of Batubinsika highlights the unpredictable nature of football competitions and the strategic challenges faced by teams as they navigate through the rigorous tournament format.
The Leopards, renowned for their resilience, will look to overcome this early setback and demonstrate their prowess in pursuit of success in the prestigious AFCON 2023.
