AFCON: DR Congo braced for “game like no other”

Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder Charles Pickel says it will be “a game like no other” when his side take on hosts Ivory Coast in their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Abidjan on Wednesday night.

The Congolese are seeking a first final place in 50 years, since they lifted the continental trophy with a 2-0 replay victory over Zambia in Cairo after the teams had played to a 2-2 draw in the first game.

That was their second title after success in 1968, and while they have been to two semifinals since then, they have not appeared in the final since that 1974 triumph.

“It will be a game like any other. It’s a semifinal we are ready to compete in,” Pickel said.

“We play in front of big crowds for our clubs so it’s not entirely new. They will have huge support but we’re aware of that.”

DR Congo lost 2-1 to South Africa after extra-time of their 1998 semifinal and 3-1 to the self-same Ivory Coast in 2015. They may therefore have revenge on their minds.

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The Congolese have received a boost with the news that former Chelsea and Lens winger Gael Kakuta is fit to play after he missed the last-16 win over Guinea with injury, though he has yet to feature in the tournament for his side.

“Gael has an insignificant injury, and he will be available for the game if I include him in the team against Ivory Coast,” coach Sebastian Desabre said.

“What matters for us is to get to the finals. We need to go to the finals because it’s going to be a huge disappointment if we don’t, and that’s the message we want to send across,” he added.