The Democratic Republic of Congo’s U17 team, the Leopards Cadets, are set to face the Central African Republic (CAR) in their second match of the UNIFFAC tournament on Wednesday, February 19.
The fixture, scheduled for 16:00 local time, follows their impressive 3-1 victory over Gabon last weekend.
Determined to maintain their momentum, the Congolese side aims to secure a spot in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and, ultimately, the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Head coach Etienne Dianda has urged his players to approach the match with the same level of commitment and focus that earned them their opening win.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Dianda emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and maintaining respect for their opponents.
“We watched CAR play and analyzed their performance. While they lost their first match, that is not our concern.
We will approach this game with determination, just as we did in our previous match. The result will take care of itself,” he said.
Dianda further encouraged his squad to play with confidence and responsibility, rather than succumbing to pressure.
“The message to the players is to remain determined and focused, while respecting the opponent.
Our objective is clear—we are here to qualify,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenge posed by a CAR team desperate to recover from their initial defeat, Dianda stressed the need for tactical discipline.
“We know our opponents will be highly motivated after their loss. However, we have prepared for this.
Our goal is to play our football, execute our strategy, and earn the result we need.
Tomorrow’s match is like a final for us, and we are ready to rise to the occasion,” he stated.
The Leopards Cadets are hopeful of making history by securing qualification for the U17 AFCON after previous unsuccessful attempts.
With their sights set on a maiden appearance in the tournament’s final phase, Dianda’s squad is determined to overcome all obstacles and achieve their long-awaited objective.
