DRC-CONGO BRAZZA ON THIS SATURDAY
Eight Ravens are dreaming of CHAN
August 19, 2017
This Saturday, August 19th at 13:30 GMT, one of the decisive games of the last round of CHAN qualifiers, Kenya 2018, will oppose DRC to Congo Brazzaville. On this occasion, eight Ravens will be on the bridge: Ley MATAMPI, Djos ISSAMA, Kévin MONDEKO, Arsène ZOLA, Miché MIKA, Deo KANDA, Ben MALANGO and Meschak ELIA. The Leopards, trophy holders, are forced to success in order to defend their title.
In front of the ambitious Diables Rouges [Red Devils], the game looks tough for the Leopards at the Stade de martyrs this Saturday. Like the first act in Libreville, and neighbors from Brazzaville will want to surprise even if they were able to content themselves with a goalless draw in the first leg. In the ranks of the locals players, Meschak ELIA and the other seven Ravens of the selection wish to send the Leopards to Kenya.
Talking on the telephone on the eve of this decisive game, the best player of the last CHAN in Kigali is optimistic: “The DRC is the trophy holder, so a competition in Kenya next year without the Leopards would be a crushing failure for our football. Players are aware of the heavy task ahead after the draw in the first leg. We have to score to pass, failing to do so will be very dangerous against a very playful selection that goes forward. This Saturday in front of our audience, I hope we will make a good match to get the qualification. We can rely on our own strength.”
In leopardsfoot.com website, the captain of the selection Djos ISSAMA, familiar with the challenges matches, relies on the experience he has to guide the youngsters to success in front of Congo Brazzaville: "For us, the qualification, without flaw, inevitably passes through a victory. And whoever says victory implies goals. It is only at this price that we can make a difference and on this subject we will have to have a strong mind to hold on. For this game, I am delighted that this Leopard team is made up of mentally strong players who have proved themselves in their respective teams in high competitions. As far as I'm concerned, I'm fond of this kind of meeting-challenge. I have personal experience with Daring, Vita Club and currently with TP Mazembe. This means that, without being overzealous, I am as serene as the whole team.”