AFCON 2017 Group C - Ivory Coast vs DR Congo
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The defending champions Ivory Coast ended 23 years of heartbreak, near-misses and disappointments with a penalty-shootout victory over heavy favourites Ghana. Now, it looks like one of Africa’s biggest teams is finally living up to that billing. The Democratic Republic of Congo aren’t nearly that hyped, but they too have 2 African trophies, and will want to show Ivory Coast exactly why. It’s set to be a fearsome battle!
Date: 16th January 2017Time: 09:30pm (IST)Venue: Stade D’Oyem, Oyem
Ivory Coast Team Preview
The Ivory Coast have become a household name in international football this decade, boasting some of the biggest names to ever grace a football pitch. Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure are just some of the star-studded squads they’ve had.
Incredibly, they only won it in 2015 when many of those big names had already retired. Now, with several of Africa’s favourites not in great shape they could start a dynasty of dominance.
Their path to qualification was hardly stellar, however. They drew 3 matches and only won one, performing worse than several of the 2nd-placed teams in the qualification rounds.
Moreover, they only scored 3 goals, conceding 2 - but the fact that they still topped the group bodes well for a nation that has often failed to grind out the necessary results. If they keep up this form, they may take heart from Portugal’s unremarkable but ultimately successful run to the Euro 2016 title!
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohuo, Badra Sangare , Mande Sayouba
Defenders: Serge Aurier, Mamadou Bagayoko, Eric Bailly , Simon Deli, Ousmane Viera Diarrassouba, Wilfried Kanon , Lamine Kone, Adama TraoreMidfielders: Victorien Angban, Cheik Doukoure , Franck Kessie, Yao Serge N’guessan, Geoffroy Serey Die, Jean Michael Ser
Forwards: Wilfried Bony, Max Gradel , Salomon Kalou, Jonathan Kodjia, Nicolas Pepe, Giovanni Sio, Wilfried Zaha
DR Congo Team Preview
The Democratic Republic of Congo will be looking to ally a potential peace deal in the region to some much-needed football cheer. After a decent showing last time around in the Equatorial Guinea, they’ll be looking to go much further this time.
Their qualification campaign was quite impressive. They won their opening game against minnows Madagascar unconvincingly, before the Central African Republic beat them 2-1. That seemed to completely galvanise the squad as they won all their remaining games scoring 14 and conceding 3. They come into this tournament on some hot form indeed!
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Nicaise Mulopo Kudimbana, Ley Matampi, Joel Kiassumbua
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Gabriel Zakuan, Issama Mpeko, Joyce Lomalisa, Vital N’Simba , Fabrice N’Sakala, Chris Luyindama, Merveille Bope, Jordan Ikoko, Marcel Tisserand
Midfielders: Youssouf Mulumbu, Neeskens Kebano, Rémy Mulumba, Hervé Kage, Jacques Maghoma, Paul-José M’Poku, Jonathan Bijimine, Wilson Kamavuaka
Forwards: Cédric Bakambu, Dieumerci Mbokani, Benik Afobe, Firmin Mubele Ndombe, Junior Kabananga, Jordan Botaka, Meschack Elia, Jonathan Bolingi, Ricky Tulengi , Jeremy Bokila
