AFCON: DR Congo coach Desabre ready for Algeria test

DR Congo national team coach Sébastien Desabre has ruled out his side feeling any pressure as they prepare to face Algeria in the Round of16 fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco on Tuesday.

Algeria, title winners in 2019, had an impressive run in the group stages, winning all their games and conceding only once in the process, while the Leopards finished second in Group D with seven points off two wins and a draw, and only failed to top the group on goal difference.

Two-time AFCON, DR Congo’s recent best ever performance was a third-place finish in 2015. Under coach Desabre, they are seeking to move back to the top.

DR Congo to face a very good African side – AFCON

“These are high-stakes matches, since a place in the quarterfinals is at stake against a very good African team. For us, we’re happy because it helps us continue to improve in match preparation,” Desabre told CAF Media.

“It will also give us a lot of experience in managing this kind of game. And for us, we keep going, we don’t feel any extra pressure. In Congo, we’re used to having high pressure in matches. The players know this, and we actually like it.”

Algeria coach Vladimir Petković, said: “Congo is a well-built team, and you can clearly see the coach’s influence. Offensively, they are especially dangerous down the right side.

“They attack with a positive approach and strong momentum, and this is reflected in their results, both in the qualifiers and in knockout matches. They may not be used to facing opponents of a certain caliber, but they are still capable of eliminating them.”

The teams have met seven times. Algeria have recorded three wins, while DR Congo are winless, with four matches ending in draws.