DR Congo eye AFCON quarter-finals

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jan 24, 2017. 18:00

Togo and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will clash in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C game at the Stade de Port-Gentil in the Gabonese city of Port-Gentil on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 21h00 (CAT).

The Sparrow Hawks were beaten 3-1 by Morocco in their previous Group C match in Oyem on Friday. Mathieu Dossevi grabbed Togo's consolation goal.

Togo are placed fourth on the Group C standings with only one point. But they are only three points behind group leaders DR Congo.

Claude Le Roy, the Togo head coach, will be hoping that his side overcome DR Congo and other result between Morocco, and Ivory Coast go their way.

Meanwhile, DR Congo held Ivory Coast to a 2-2 draw in their previous Group C game in Oyem on Friday. Neeskens Kebano and Junior Kabananga both scored for the Leopards.

DR Congo are placed at the top of Group C standings with four points. But they are only a point ahead of second-placed Morocco.

Leopards head coach Florent Ibenge is aware of the fact that a win or draw against Togo will be enough to send his side into the quarter-finals.

Key Players

Mathieu Dossevi - Togo

The 28-year-old midfielder was one of Togo's best players during their defeat to DR Congo and he also managed to score for the Sparrow Hawks. The Greece-based winger will be hoping to inspire his side to an important victory over DR Congo.

Junior Kabananga - DR Congo

The Congolese forward has been one of the best players in this year's AFCON finals thus far - having netted two goals for the Leopards. The 27-year-old towering striker will be keen to continue his good form for his side and help them beat Togo.

Head-to-head - Togo v DR Congo

Togo FIFA ranking: 90
DR Congo FIFA ranking: 49
Matches played: 11
Togo Wins: 1
DR Congo Wins: 7
Draws: 3
Togo goals scored: 6
DR Congo goals scored: 20
Last match: 8 September 2013 in Lome - Togo 2-1 DR Congo