Rabat, December 22nd, 2025 (CPA).- The coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) called on his players to focus and maintain tactical discipline during a press conference on Monday ahead of their match against Benin on Tuesday in the first round of Group D of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN). ‘At the CAN, no match is easy. Benin is a structured team with an experienced coach. We must remain focused from start to finish,’ said Sébastien Desabre, national coach of the DRC Leopards. The French coach then went on to elaborate further. ‘The match against the Benin Cheetahs will be ‘difficult and very competitive. The Beninese have an experienced and well-organized team,’ he explained, adding that the Leopards need to impose their rhythm while sticking to the game plan. ‘We have prepared well for this match. The goal is to continue to improve with each match.’ The DRC will face Benin on the first day of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the ambition of getting off to a good start in the continental competition.The team captain’s call for support from all Congolese people
During this press conference, Sébastien Desabre was accompanied by the captain of the national team, who made an appeal to all Congolese people for their full support. ‘I ask the Congolese people to support us and push us to victory, because we are called upon to do our job on the pitch,’ said Chancel Mbemba, captain of the Leopards of the DRC. « This is my sixth CAN, but I’m not relying too much on the past. The most important thing is to pass on my energy and experience to my teammates to boost them even more. » As a reminder, the match between the Leopards of the DRC and the Cheetahs of Benin will be officiated by South African referee Tom Abongile. ACP/