DRC going for broke

After missing three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo were just too happy to make the tournament in South Africa.

However, after drawing their first two games against Ghana and Niger, they have now realised they can go all the way.

This is according to coach Claude Le Roy, who said the team had shifted its focus to winning their final Group B match against Mali tonight.

Le Roy said their mission to South Africa had been to gain experience as most of his players had never played at Afcon, but they had since realised they had a chance of reaching the quarterfinals and would go for it.

“Coming here was an achievement on its own and we were just too happy to play in the finals. We came here to gain a little bit of experience,” said Le Roy.

He said he was encouraged by the team’s performance so far, particularly after holding tournament favourite Ghana to a draw in their opening match but was not happy that his players had been sluggish against Niger, against which they drew 0-0.

A win over Mali tonight will see them through to the quarterfinals and a possible clash with Bafana Bafana.

Le Roy said they have players who were playing at top European leagues like the English Premiership and German Bundesliga and said their experience would come in handy against their West African opponent.

“We know it is a must win or bust for us and we will do everything to make sure we go through. Hopefully the players will respond well to our tactics and we will go to the knockout stages.”

He said he hoped the stadium would be packed as in previous games at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

“Hopefully they will give us the 12th man we need,” said Le Roy.

Kick-off is at 7pm.