As the first round of matches in the Africa Cup of Nations reaches its conclusion, all eyes turn to the clash between Congo DR and Zambia at Stade de San Pedro on Wednesday evening. Group F, a formidable group featuring African powerhouse Morocco and the determined Tanzania, promises intense competition for these two teams.
Congo DR, once a dominant force in African football, approaches this year’s tournament with hopes of reclaiming glory after five decades. The Leopards boast a rich history, securing two continental titles in 1968 and 1974 when they were known as Zaire. However, recent years have seen them struggle to make a mark, facing three group-stage exits since 2000 and missing out on three consecutive AFCON tournaments from 2008 to 2012.
Their journey to this year’s competition was not without challenges. Initial losses in qualifying led to the dismissal of coach Hector Cuper. Sebastien Desabre took the helm, guiding the team to four consecutive victories, including wins against Gabon, Sudan, and Mauritania. However, recent form shows inconsistency, with one win in their last seven matches and a winless streak of three, including losses to Sudan and Burkina Faso.
The history between Congo DR and Zambia has often resulted in draws, with the last encounter finishing 1-1. The lone victory in recent meetings went to Zambia in 2005 with a 4-1 scoreline.
Zambia’s AFCON history, though sporadic, includes a memorable triumph in 2012. Under the guidance of former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, the Chipolopolo aim to be dark horses in this competition. Their notable improvement was evident in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, where they clinched victory, defeating Lesotho 1-0 in the final.
Avram Grant’s side enters the AFCON with a record of six matches, including wins, losses, and draws. In their recent warm-up match against Cameroon, the result was a 1-1 draw.
As the teams step onto the field with different aspirations and histories, Congo DR’s recent form stands at DDWLDL, showcasing inconsistency. On the other hand, Zambia’s form, DLWWLD, suggests a balanced mix of outcomes.
The Stade de San Pedro is set for a showdown between two teams seeking redemption and resurgence. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama as Congo DR and Zambia strive to leave their mark in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
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