2023 AFCON: DR Congo v Guinea preview

The second match in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals pits DR Congo against Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Date: Monday, 2 February 2024

Kick-off: 22h00 CAT

Head-to-head: The Leopards are unbeaten in their last three encounters against the National Elephants, who won the first-ever meeting between the two teams at the 2004 AFCON when they triumphed 2-1 in the group stages. DR Congo ran out 3-1 victors in a friendly the following year and both home (3-1) and away (2-1) when they were drawn together during the qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup.

DR Congo’s last three results: Sebastien Desabre’s side held Morocco to a 1-1 draw and failed to get on the scoresheet in their clash with Tanzania which finished goalless as they qualified for the knockout stages as runners-up in Group F. They then caused a major upset in the round of 16 by beating Egypt 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Guinea’s last three results: Kaba Diawara’s side picked up their first win of the tournament with a 1-0 success over Gambia, but they were no match for defending champions Senegal, who cruised to a 2-0 victory. The West Africans then made history when they defeated Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in the last 16 as it was the first time since 1976 that they had won a knockout game.

Team news: Meschak Elia is hoping to retain his place in the starting line-up for the Leopards after opening the scoring against the Pharaohs in his first start at the continental showpiece, having come off the bench in their opening three matches. Naby Keita and Serhou Guirassy

Key player – DR Congo: Yoane Wissa has been one of DR Congo’s standout players at the African spectacle and opened his account with the equaliser against Chipolopolo in the group stages. The Brentford winger has featured in all four games for his country and will be hoping to make a telling impact against the National Elephants.

Key player – Guinea: Mohamed Bayo has started three of the four games in Ivory Coast, although he did come off the bench against the Lions of Teranga. The Lille striker has two goals to his name at the 2023 AFCON and became an instant folk hero when he headed home a last-gasp winner against the National Thunder.