On December 30, 2023, the final day of the group stage matches will take place, showcasing key games from Groups C and D. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) will face Botswana at 20:00 Kinshasa time. With a total of four points, DR Congo is currently positioned second in Group D, just behind Senegal.
DR Congo’s Ambitious Goal
DR Congo aims to secure a victory over Botswana to seize the top spot in the group. This strategic intent was articulated by Sébastien Désarbre, the national team coach, during a pre-match press conference. “We need to adopt a conqueror’s mindset because winning this match is crucial,” he stated.
Coach’s Insights
Désarbre emphasized that the team not only needs to win but also aims to improve their goal differential compared to Senegal. He acknowledged the strong performance of Botswana during the qualification phase for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
- Current Group D Standings:
- Senegal: 4 points (+3)
- DR Congo: 4 points (+1)
- Benin: 3 points (0)
- Botswana: 0 points (-4)
“Winning will not be simple against a well-performing Botswana team,” he noted. The coach highlighted the necessity for the Congolese squad to play offensively to achieve their objectives.
Match Importance
The upcoming match is critical not just for advancing in the tournament but also for demonstrating DR Congo’s football potential. With ambitions high, the team needs to put forth an impressive performance to solidify their place at the top of Group D.
