Guinea vs DR Congo: Who gets coveted AFCON semi-final spot?

3 mins read
Guinea vs DR Congo - Who gets coveted AFCON semi-final spot

In a highly anticipated match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé, and DR Congo will battle on Friday for a coveted spot in the 2023 semi-finals.

This encounter marks the fourth meeting between the nations, with DR Congo seeking their first victory against , having faced them three times in previous group stage meetings, including a 2-1 loss in 2004.

DR Congo has reached the quarter-finals without winning a game in normal time, relying on penalty victories. Defender Gédéon Kalulu emphasizes the psychological victories gained, stating, “The first is having beaten a top 5 side on penalties, and the second is not conceding many goals.”

Guinea, boosted by the return of key players Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy from injury, looks to capitalize on their strengths. Midfielder Amadou Diawara acknowledges the importance of the returning players, stating, “Naby and Serhou are getting better and better. They are two very important assets for our team.”

Guinea striker Sory Kaba emphasizes the need for efficiency against a compact Congolese team. “The team that makes the least mistakes will go through,” Kaba stressed.

Both teams, coming off scrappy Round of 16 wins, recognize the importance of a clinical performance to secure a spot in the AFCON semi-finals.

Kaba Diawara, Guinea's coach

“We are ready for the battle, both mentally and physically. We entered this AFCON conditioned to play seven finals. If it comes to penalties, we will go for it.”

Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo's coach

“The team is highly motivated. We know we can achieve more in this tournament, which, for me, is not the AFCON of surprises but of hard work. The boys are on a mission, and we will not give up under any circumstances.”

Guinea vs DR Congo match statistics

  • Mohamed Bayo has scored 2 of Guinea's 3 goals in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023. He could become the first Guinean to score 3 goals in a single AFCON since Pascal Feindouno in 2006 (4).
  • Meschack Elia has been directly involved in 3 of DR Congo's last 4 goals in the Africa Cup of Nations (1 goal, 2 assists). He is the only player for the Leopards to have both scored (1) and provided an assist (1) in the last 2 participations of DR Congo in the tournament (2019 and 2023).

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