RABAT, Morocco (AP) – The World Cup is shining as a new goal for Congo after being eliminated from the African Cup of Nations.
Algerian substitute Adil Brubina’s last rocket of extra time Congo ended their hopes of progressing to the last 16 of the Africa Cup on Tuesday, but Leopards’ attention quickly turned to bigger prizes.
Congo national team coach Sebastien Desabres said: “Some things went wrong and we need to thoroughly analyze what went wrong.” “And focus immediately on the very important goals that await us in March.”
Congo can qualify for the final World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States, by defeating either New Caledonia or Jamaica in the playoffs on March 31 in Mexico.
“It’s a great tournament,” Congo captain Chancel Mbemba said of the Africa Cup. “But God willing, we still have one last tournament, one last game left.”
Mbemba is no stranger to last-gasp winners as it was his stoppage-time goal that helped them beat Cameroon 1-0 in the Africa World Cup play-off semi-final.
Leopards then defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout – opposing coach Eric Schell Claimed “some kind of voodoo” while at work – to advance to the intercontinental playoffs. Mbemba once again clinched the victory.
Congo’s progress
Congo have developed into one of the strongest teams on the African continent in recent years. They finished second in the World Cup qualifying group behind undefeated Senegal.
supported by Living statue of slain independence hero Patrice Lumumba Congo started the African Cup with a win over Benin, drew with 2021 winners Senegal, and then beat Botswana 3-0 to advance to the last 16.
Congo reached the semi-finals in the last tournament held in Ivory Coast. The players wore black armbands. To highlight the armed conflict in the eastern part of the country. Mbemba and forward Cedric Bakambu as well. used social media to get attention To the battle.
The success of the Congolese team on the field was International attention to the Central African countryand the resulting humanitarian crisis. Qualifying for the World Cup could give them even more exposure.
Young people proud to play for Congo
The team has benefited from the Congolese diaspora across Europe. Brussels-born Noa Sadiki, 21, could have played for Belgium, but chose to represent the country of his parents.
“It’s a personal choice,” Sadiki told reporters last week. “I will not force anyone to choose Congo. I made that decision of my own free will. There is a new generation that wants to help the people of this country.”
Belgian-born goalkeeper Mathieu Eppolo (20) and midfielder Mario Streukens (21) also chose Congo.
the future is bright
Experienced French manager Des Sables has assembled a dedicated team that is extremely difficult to beat. The only thing that let the team down against Algeria was a wayward finish.
Desabres, who will take charge from 2022, said stability was key to the team’s development, giving him time to strengthen bonds between players and technical staff and introduce changes to recover from setbacks.
“I am very optimistic about Congolese football, because we have yet to fully exploit the development potential of the academy, the local league and all the local talent that will give Congo even more strength in the coming years,” Desabre said before the game against Algeria.
The coach said Congo still lags behind the likes of Senegal and Cameroon, and that players learn important skills at academies before playing in Europe’s powerful leagues.
“I’m very optimistic because Congo still has this leverage that will make the team even stronger in the coming years,” Desabre said.
But first, you can get tickets to the World Cup.
Mbemba said: “We will all come back and work. We will ask God to keep all the players healthy. And if God wills, everything is possible in the last game.”
___
Associated Press at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
