My players deserve some rest, says DRC coach Florent Ibenge

Paul Mpoku of DR Congo (8) celebrates goal with teammates during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Togo and DR Congo at the Port Gentil Stadium in Gabon on 24 January 2017 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Jan 26, 2017. 15:00

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) head coach Florent Ibenge is pleased to have guided the his side to another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final.

The Leopards beat Togo at the Stade de Port-Gentil to secure their place in the 2017 quarter-finals as Group C winners in Gabon on Tuesday night.

Ibenge's side also reached the 2015 AFCON quarter-finals in Equatorial Guinea and they went on to finish third in the prestigious tournament.

"We're done, we have to rest. It's been two consecutive editions in the quarter-finals. We want to go to the
quarter-finals," Ibenge told the media.

Ibenge, who guided DR Congo the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title, went on to reflect on their 3-1 victory over the Sparrow Hawks.

"We play on very difficult terrain. [Ley] Matampi [the doorman of the DRC] was awarded a yellow card. We think he did a simulation," he said.

"Not at all! The Togolese goalkeeper also had knee pain on the same side. We really have a real problem on the ground."

DR Congo will now take on Ghana in the quarter-final encounter at the Stade d'Oyem on Sunday. Kick-off is at 18h00 (CAT).