The Democratic Republic of Congo suddenly have a chance of unexpected Africa Cup of Nations success as they prepare to take on hosts Ivory Coast in Wednesday’s semifinal in Abidjan 50 years after their last triumph.
The Congolese might be perennial participants, this being their 19th Cup of Nations tournament, but they have long since not been considered a major force in the African game, losing the prominent position they once held after decades of political instability, economic and infrastructure decline.
As the former Zaire, they won the Cup of Nations in 1974 and the same year went to the World Cup in West Germany as the continent’s sole representative but have had no success since and did not even qualify for the last edition of the continental tournament in Cameroon two years ago.
But they now have a real opportunity, even if up against the hosts in the last four.
“We are in the semifinals and, of course, it would be stupid not to believe we can go on and get into the final,” said coach Sebastien Desabre.
DR Congo reached the last eight in the Ivory Coast without winning a game but were convincing in their come-from-behind 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Guinea in Abidjan on Friday.
They had drawn their three Group F matches yet finished in second place and in the last-16 drew 1-1 with Egypt, before edging them on post-match penalties after extra time.
Credit: supersport.com
