Axel Tuanzebe: ‘AFCON level different, growing’

Burnley FC defender Axel Tuanzebe has reflected on the experience of representing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and insights on his club’s Premier League survival battle.

The former Manchester United centre-back shared his thoughts on club and country as the Clarets prepare to host Sunderland FC in a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light on Monday.

Tuanzebe featured in all games for the Leopards at the AFCON finals in Morocco where they eventually lost 1-0 to Algeria in the round-of-16 match on January 6.

 

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The Premier League star said he was excited to play for his country, and realizing the expectations doing so brings.

Tuanzebe and feeling of playing at AFCON

“I really enjoyed it. It was a great experience personally. I think the competition and level of football out there is different, but it’s a very good level and it’s only growing by the year,” he said.

“The energy is so high out there, it really hits home when you walk out and you are playing for your country and the expectations and love you get from your nation, it’s special.”

For Burnley, the 27-year-old featured in midfield the previous weekend in their two-all draw with Tottenham Hotspur. He responded to the temporary change in position by scoring a goal in a game the Clarets seemed to have won only for Spurs to concede later.

 

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The defender surely fancies scoring more goals. He said: “Obviously, we were naturally disappointed with conceding so late against Spurs last week, but it was another good performance from us and we’re in a good place with the last few results we have got in the league.

Tuanzebe also gave an insight on the areas Burnley are seeking improvements to survive the Premier League challenges.

“We have been working on set-pieces and crosses into the area for a while now and it’s starting to come together in terms of everyone understanding their roles and the dynamics of it,” he added.

“We’re always trying to turn things from the training pitch into a match situation and this was one of those moments, but yeah it’s nice to get off the mark and hopefully I can add a few more.”

He was born in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tuanzebe has since given an update on the preparedness of Burnley for the Premier League meeting with Sunderland.

“We know they are a great side and have done really well this season so far, but we also know what we’re capable of as a team and what we have to do to get a result.” He said.

Tuanzebe has signed for the Clarets with effect from July 1, 2025, his third Premier League club after leaving United. The centre-back also had spells with Aston Villa.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but relocated with his parents to the United Kingdom. He eventually signed with the academy team of the Red Devils at the age of eight and rose through the ranks to the main team in 2017.