CAN 2023/8th final : Controversy in Kinshasa on the sidelines of the next meeting between the Leopards of the DRC meet the Pharaohs of Egypt
The controversy is in full swing in Kinshasa surrounding the upcoming match between the Leopards of the DRC and the Pharaohs of Egypt in the round of 16 on January 28. Looking ahead to the DRC’s next match against Egypt, some residents of Kinshasa believe that the Pharaohs are not in good form and will struggle against the Leopards of the DRC, who have a lot of individual talent.
As evidence, they point out that Mohamed Salah’s teammates did not play well in the round of 16. They argue that the absence of Mohamed Salah further diminishes the team’s performance.
Others, recalling that the Leopards performed poorly with numerous missed goals in recent matches, suggest changing tactics by seeking to unsettle the opponent and scoring goals. They acknowledge that Sébastien Désabre has a good team, but his players need to work on finishing.
The Congolese, who drew against Zambia (1-1) before repeating the feat against Morocco, are in second place in the group. Like the Leopards, the Pharaohs, without their captain, drew against Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks to qualify for the next round with 3 points, thanks in particular to Ghana’s draw (2-2).
Having defeated Zambia 1-0 at San Pedro Stadium, Morocco (5 points) tops Group F. The DRC is in second place with 3 points, while Zambia and Tanzania are third in the standings with 2 points each.
The DRC and Egypt have already met twice in the knockout stages of the AFCON. The Wednesday match of the Leopards was part of the 3rd matchday of Group F at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhobo, ending in a goalless draw. Meanwhile, Morocco will face South Africa on the same Sunday.
