CHAN 2016 Finals:
Sunday, February 7
- DR Congo vs. Cote D’Ivoire/ Mali, Amahoro Stadium (7:30 p.m – EAT)
After D.R Congo’s successful progress to the finals of the fourth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament on Wednesday, head coach, Florent Ibenge has clearly stated his team’s ambition – to win the tournament.
Ibenge was addressing the media shortly after his team’s 5-4 penalty shoot-out triumph over West Africans, Guinea after 120 minutes of action had ended in a one all draw.
The 58 year-old soft spoken Ibenge said;
Guinea was a very dynamic team often referred to as the ‘Brazilians of Africa’.
But we are an ambitious side. We approached the match well aware of their ball retention abilities.
Like for the other games, we were determined to progress. Winning the first two games of the tournament gave us the impetus to aim even higher.
We shall plan for the final as we want to win the tournament
Democratic Republic of Congo won the inaugural edition of the CHAN tournament in 2009 that was hosted by Cote D’Ivoire when the teams were still eight.
Tasked to explain the emotions that come with penalties, Ibenge told the players to focus and aim for nothing but the back of the net.
The pressure was on us now when we conceded in the very last minute of extra time. I told the players to focus and shoot with calmness in the shoot-out.
The match was not over even when Guinea managed to equalize at the game death
He also tasked his players to prove the worthiness of being part of the DR Congo mainstream squad.
CHAN and AFCON are not the same competitions. We have a large pool of players in the local league and those in international leagues. But only the best players will be considered for the senior team
DR Congo is set to take on the winner between Cote D’Ivoire and Mali.
The two West African nations play on Thursday at the Kigali regional stadium in Nyamirambo during the second semi final match.
