The Leopards of the DRC sign a precious 1-0 victory against the Taifas Stars of Tanzania this Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Martyrs stadium, in this first act of their double confrontation as part of the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations (CAN) Morocco 2025.
From the kick-off, the Congolese encountered difficulties, particularly in the midfield battle. The Tanzanians, agile and enterprising, quickly imposed a middle block which cut off all forward transmissions from the inside. This domination forced the Leopards to fall back on the wings, but their attempts, notably by Mechack Elia on the left flank, proved unsuccessful, with races and percussions which hardly contributed.
At the break, coach Sébastien Desabre was able to motivate his troops. In the second half, the Congolese showed a very different face, occupying more of the field after the exits of Elia and Edo Kayembe. It was at the hour mark that they finally managed to make the difference: on a header from Arthur Maswaku’s well-placed cross from the right to the left, Chancel Mbemba was at the origin of the The only goal of the match, an own goal in the 54th minute.
This victory allows the Leopards to take a serious option for qualification, now being first in group H with 9 points after three days. A full card which gives confidence before the return match scheduled in Dar-Es-Salam on Tuesday October 15, a decisive act for access to the next CAN in Morocco.
Jenovic Lumbuenadio
