World Cup (Q): DR Congo have what it takes to beat Nigeria – Desabre

Following their 1-0 win against Cameroon, DR Congo are oozing confidence heading into their World Cup Qualifying final against Nigeria.

While the Super Eagles secured a 4-1 win against Gabon with lead striker Victor Osimhen grabbing a brace, the Leopards defeated the Indomitable Lions courtesy of a Chancel Mbemba strike at the stroke of added minutes.

The win has now left DR Congo believing they can upset Nigeria when the two sides face off at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Morocco on Sunday for a shot at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and, ultimately, a place at World Cup 26.

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has remained confident that the Leopards have what it takes to come out victorious against a side he said remains the best in Africa.

DR Congo knows ‘we’re progressing to World Cup’

“Nigeria remains the best in Africa. We know we still have room for improvement against teams ranked ahead of us in the FIFA rankings,” said Desabre as quoted by CompleteSports.

“We have experienced players. What we’re putting in place hasn’t happened overnight. We’ve been working for three years to be capable and strong against teams like Cameroon and to beat teams like that. We know we’re progressing to qualify for a World Cup.”

He added: “The ultimate goal within six years is to finish in the top nine at least. We’re making progress, we’ve taken a good step today, and we’ll have a team against Nigeria to show what we’re capable of.

“It will be a different kind of match. Whatever happens, we’re going to give it our all. Against Senegal, we were five minutes away from the World Cup. We took a few steps back.”

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.