The Nations League is not the most prestigious tournament in existence and quite a few players snubbed it during this gathering.
An international gathering which, on the other hand, saw more important meetings being contested, those for qualification for the next African Cup of Nations in Morocco in 2025. The opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo to win its ticket for the competition.
Certificate of invincibility
This Friday’s meeting against Guinea was therefore approached with a certain relaxation but not without the desire to win and above all to continue the series of matches without conceding. Since the semi-final lost against Ivory Coast during the last edition of the CAN, the DRC has not been beaten.
In the first half, Noah Sadiki and his teammates were manhandled and could have conceded a penalty for a Serhou Guirassy foul. But Théo Bongonda could also have obtained a penalty a few minutes later.
A little disappointment
More controlled by the Leopards, the second half would however see Guinea open the scoring. However, we had to wait until stoppage time to see Serhou Guirassy score the one and only goal, the first conceded by Congo during these qualifications and therefore the one which would sign the first defeat for Sadiki and his team.
Having gone down in the 76th minute of play and leaving his place to William Balikwisha, the Unionist will not have had the chance to participate in a new victory for a selection that he joined this year after having represented Belgium in the age teams.
There is now a match against Ethiopia next Tuesday at home in order to finish the qualifying campaign for the CAN on a good note and thus prepare for the next round against Chad which will take place in December.
