CHAN 2016 Semifinals:
Wednesday, February 3
DR Congo vs. Guinea, Amahoro Stadium (5:00 p.m, East African Time)
When the Democratic Republic of Congo locks horns with West African giants, Guinea, an ordinary fan awaits the epic of all clashes that have been witnessed at the CHAN 2016 finals in Rwanda.
DR Congo will miss key player, Heritier Luvumbu but his coach, Florent Ibenge told the pre-match press conference, the other players are equal to the task.
Kawowo Sports’ David Isabirye torches into the exciting duels that could eventually decide the final outcome.
The winner of this game will book a final berth against either Mali or Cote D’Ivoire who play on Thursday in the second semi final at Kigali regional stadium, Nyamirambo.
Joyce Lomalisa vs. Mohamed Thiam:
Lomalisa is an intelligent left back playing for AS Vita football club.
His positional discipline will be put under close scrutiny against Thiam who thrives in acres of spaces.
Should the latter excel with the cross execution, then DR Congo will have to seek another means of thwarting those dangerous aerial balls.
Nelson Munganga vs. Ibrahima Sory Sankhon:
Munganga is a typical deep lying midfielder. Perhaps, it will shock you he plays like an attacking midfielder. Infact, his name has two assists and a goal from open play.
Such is the threat of the burly anchorman. Against a crafty, Sankhon, the winner of his battle will dictate the tiding of the game.
Doxa Gikanji vs. Mohamed Youla:
Either players are blessed with great first and final touches on the ball.
Whereas Gikanji prefers to drift to the wing and make his dribbles, Youla opts to do the simple things first in central defense.
Whoever does his act to perfection with that final ball to the teammates will be a match winner in a way.
Ibrahima Sory Soumah vs. Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi
Bolingi has been a real menace to the defenders who have faced him in the tournament so far. Agile, very tall and blessed with the perfect ball control skills, he leads the Congo line like a true commander in the army.
Against, Soumah, the TP Mazembe forward will face yet another challenger equal to the task.
The ability of the AS Kaloum defender to stop Bolingi without necessarily fouling him will be key in this fixture.
Joel Kimwaki vs. Alseny Camara:
Kimwaki is as solid as a rock whilst Camara as soft and swift as a thread. This battle will see the intelligent attacker against an awesome defender. Either players are leaders on the field of play.
The tide of the game in most cases is decided by their attitude, leadership traits and overall contribution in terms of passes completed and intercepted. A great battle indeed.
COACHES:
Mohammed Kanfory Bangoura (Guinea) Vs Florent Ibenge (Guinea)
During the pre-match press conference held on Tuesday in Kigali, either coaches were humbled under the guise of respect for each other before the game.
Whereas Ibenge denied to outline which tactics he would employ, Bangoura was open minded and promised a defensive strategy.
Either tacticians believe in almost a similar philosophy of football, to maintain the ball possession and attack on the break.
Whichever coach comes top with the best winning tactics will surely carry the day.