DR Congo head coach Otis Ngoma has expressed cautious optimism as his side edges closer to their opening fixture of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Kenya, following a 3-1 victory over South Sudanese club Jumas FC in a warm-up encounter.
The friendly, held on Tuesday, July 29, served as the final preparatory match for the Leopards A’ team before they kick off their CHAN campaign on Sunday, August 3, against the Harambee Stars.
The tournament, officially organised by CAF and known as the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Ngoma, while pleased with the result and the team’s fitness level, acknowledged the timing of the warm-up match could have been better.
Nevertheless, he was encouraged by the physical intensity shown by his players and the opportunity it provided to assess individual performances ahead of final squad selection.
“I’m satisfied because there were no injuries,” said Ngoma after the match. “This game gave us a clearer picture of our current level, the physical state of certain players, and their ability to repeat high-intensity efforts.
We are in the process of finalising our squad, and we hope to see continued progress. We will give our best.”
The win over Jumas FC comes after an intense training camp in Kinshasa, where the Congolese team has been working to sharpen tactics and build team chemistry ahead of what promises to be a demanding group stage.
With two CHAN titles already to their name, DR Congo are aiming to reaffirm their status as a powerhouse in this competition reserved for players active in their domestic leagues.
Their campaign opens on August 3 against Kenya, followed by crucial fixtures against Zambia on August 7, Angola on August 14, and Morocco on August 17, concluding their group stage commitments.
The group features a mix of seasoned CHAN competitors and emerging sides, setting the stage for a competitive series of matches.
Coach Ngoma and his staff are now focused on trimming the squad and fine-tuning tactics for their first match in Nairobi.
While the final lineup remains under wraps, the coach stressed the importance of selecting players not only based on form but also on their adaptability and ability to handle pressure at the international level.
DR Congo’s past success in CHAN, coupled with their disciplined preparation and experience in continental competitions, places them among the early favourites.
However, Ngoma is aware that expectations alone won’t be enough, and insists that every match must be approached with focus and determination.
The CHAN tournament, which showcases national teams composed exclusively of players competing in their respective domestic leagues, offers a unique platform for talent development across Africa.
For DR Congo, it is also a chance to build on their rich history in the competition and offer a glimpse into the future of Congolese football.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the mood in the Leopards camp is one of quiet confidence. And with a blend of experience, youth, and tactical discipline, Otis Ngoma’s men are preparing to make a strong statement when the tournament gets underway in East Africa.
