World Cup (Q): Will stability carry DR Congo through the playoff?

While there are teams dealing with off-pitch controversies or a lack of fresh talent ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in the African region, the Leopards of DR Congo appear to be in a good place.

 

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Despite missing out on direct qualification to the World Cup finals with a missed opportunity against Senegal in the group stage, the Leopards are focused on overcoming Cameroon on Thursday and either Gabon or Nigeria if they reach the final of the four-team tournament this week. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, this group continues to fulfill the high level of potential in the squad with desired results.

The Leopards’ fourth place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations provided a wake-up call to African football that this is a team to take seriously, and the ultimate prize would be to achieve a first qualification to the World Cup since the DRC (then known as Zaire) became the first sub-Saharan African nation to debut at the finals in 1974.

Unlike past editions of this team, the DR Congo side appears to be in an era of stability under French coach Desabre, who now has the challenge of planning for opponents that are notoriously unpredictable. Upcoming semifinal opponents Cameroon has a history of thriving despite off-pitch incidents and constant rumors, while the story is similar with potential final foes Nigeria.

And in elimination matches like this, it appears that this characteristic can be something for the Leopards to lean on. The highest priority for Desabre since taking charge in 2022 has been establishing a defensive foundation. An experienced defensive corps features captain Chancel Mbemba along with left back Arthur Masuaku. Recent recruits Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe will be prepared for battle from their time in the English Premier League and ready to contribute.

📍 Il y a un an jour pour jour, Chancel @mbemba22 signait à l’@OM_Officiel ✍️ !

Après une saison pleine, le défenseur international congolais 🇨🇩 a su montrer toutes ses qualités 💪 pic.twitter.com/6XZXrLQ3Ej

— Ligue 1 McDonald’s (@Ligue1) July 15, 2023

The defensive foundation is further boosted by Desabre’s trusted lieutenants in the midfield, with mulitple options to select from. Charles Pickel, Edo Kayembe are reliable ball winners and capable in possession while Samuel Moutoussamy can play deep-lying role with strong distribution skills.

But a versatile option who may be the most important factor is Noah Sadiki (highlight video below). The Brussels-born former Belgian youth international switched his allegiance to the DRC last year and has provided an instant upgrade wherever he lines up. With the abilities of fierce defending and excellent progression of the ball on the dribble, he is a valuable asset whether he lines up on the flanks or in the center.

The recruitment of the Sunderland player is an example of one of the defining attributes of Desabre’s successful tenure, an unquestioned ability to convince dual national players to join his system.

Where Desabre’s concerns may lie is in the attack. With star forward Yoane Wissa still out due to injury, the goal scoring duties lie with veteran forward Cédric Bakambu and potentially Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele or Samuel Essende of FC Augsburg. Despite closing in on the national team’s all-time scoring record, Bakambu has a history of going silent when his presence is demanded in important matches.

And on the attacking flanks, eccentricity is a trait that could help or harm the Leopards. Meschack Elia and Théo Bongonda have provided moments of brilliance but will need to be at their best. Nathanaël Mbuku and Michael-Ange Balikwisha, whose application to switch to DR Congo was approved this week, are intriguing options who may be called into action despite little to no experience with the Leopards.

Meschack Elia with a steady performance last night in DR Congo’s win against Egypt. 🇨🇩

‘The X effect’ of the day is him! 🌟#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @AXE pic.twitter.com/MKON1FvU3Z

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

But it is indisputable that this Congolese selection is ready for the occasion, with years of stable leadership and experience in the defense a valuable weapon along with the clear talent in this team. In a World Cup playoff where team chemistry is essential and mistakes more costly, it appears that the Leopards have an advantage compared to Cameroon, Nigeria and Gabon.