It’s do or die for DR Congo against Burundi

THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) will have no choice but to defeat Burundi in their final match of Group D if they fancy their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of the 2014 Orange CAF African Nations Championships (CHAN).

The Leopards, as DR Congo are known, will take on the Les Hirondelles (The Swallows) at the Peter Mokaba Stadium tonight (Wednesday).

DR Congo did not have the best of preparation times for the tournament with the Federation of Congolese Football (Fecofa) blamed for lack of organisation, but the players showed character when they brushed off Mauritania 1-0 in their opening fixture of the tournament.

The Leopards’ 1-0 defeat against Gabon on Saturday placed the team in third position with three points, one behind joint-leaders Burundi and Gabon.

With the latter having a better goal difference, the Papy Kimoto coached country have to beat Burundi or play to a draw and hope that Mauritania pulls a miraculous victory against Gabon.

DR Congo’s striking force has been paralysed by the absence of midfield-striker and captain, Tresor Mputu-Mabi.

Mputu-Mabi, who ditched TP Mazembe to pen a deal with Angolan club Kabuscorp last Tuesday, boycotted the tournament citing lack of respect of players from Fecofa.

TP Mazembe goalkeeper, Robert Kidiaba, has been handed the captain’s armband and he will have a lot on his shoulders as he hopes lead The Leopards to victory against tough-as-nails Les Hirondelles.

The winner of Group D is likely to avoid Ghana and face Libya in the quarter finals.