AFCON 2023: Congo Vs. Guinea game preview
By Ngome Michael
Fair and square have hardly described any fixture so far at AFCON 2023 but, when unexpected quarter finalists DR Congo and Guinea face each other at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, the words might suit into this encounter.
The Syli National qualified as a best third-placed team, fishing with 4points from a win against Gambia draws against Cameroon in Group C and stretched on to sack Group A winners, Equatorial Guinea in the round of 16.
Mohamed Bayo second goal in Côte D’Ivoire which delivered the Nzalang Nacional’s waterloo came in the 97th minute. Another goal for Bayo will see him set a personal international record.
Bayo’s late header has broken Guinea’s knockout jinx as coach Diawara and troops eye a possible semi final spot against Mali or host CôteD’Ivoire. This however will require more efficiency in the opponent’s final third.
DR Congo qualified for the knockout stage in a rather unexciting fashion with just three points behind Morocco in Group F but progressed to toppling Egypt on penalties.
Goalkeeper Mpasi ended a nerve-wrecking shootout of 18 spotkicks taken by converting after his opposite number, Gabaski crashed the woodwork in sudden–death.
The Leopards have drawn all matches at the tournament scoring three goals despite creating multiple chances.
eliminating Egypt means the DRC won their first knockout game at the Cup of Nations since 2015, when they made it to the semi-finals.
Desabre’s team seem to prefer the Egyptian way in 2021 of resisting opponents and rely on shootouts in the knockout rounds.
Gael Kakuta missed out against Egypt and is expected to return with more threatening passes to Yoane Wissa and Bakambu who are yet to delivered up to standards with the latter missing a penalty against Morocco.
Charles Pickel subbed off against Egypt is yet to be confirmed for a start against Guinea.
The Syli National on the othe hand have as key issues, Naby Keita and dreaded striker, Serhou Guirassy. Diawara could revert to a 4-2-3-1, should his top men be fit enough for start against Congo.
