'Congo mentally ready for Hippos challenge

Congo players celebrate one of their goals against South Sudan | Credit CAF Media

AFCON U20 'Congo mentally ready for Hippos challenge

Shafic Kiyaga • 19:10 - 22.02.2023

Madienguela’s boys stand shoulder to shoulder with the Hippos in Group C following their respective 2-1 victories over South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Congo U20 coach, Marie Joseph Madienguela, exudes an air of assurance ahead of their crucial match against Uganda Hippos in the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia on Thursday.

Madienguela’s boys stand shoulder to shoulder with the Hippos in Group C following their respective 2-1 victories over South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Speaking ahead of the game, Madienguela remains steadfast in his conviction that his team is fully prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.

“We're ready for tomorrow, and we're facing a good team,” he says. “Our players are confident and they know how to play direct, attacking football.”

The stakes are high as the victor of this match will confirm their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. But Congo is not intimidated by the prospect of facing Uganda.

“This is a very serious match, and we are very focused on that. We’re very prepared to face Uganda. We hope to win the match against Uganda tomorrow,” added Mandienguela.

“Our players are ready, we don't have any injury worries going into tomorrow’s match and we’re in good conditions and they have been training very well,”

Prince Soussou Ilendo, who played a key role in their victory over South Sudan, shares his coach's sentiments.

The Club Sportif Diables Noirs forward is optimistic about his team's chances of securing a victory over Uganda.

He said, “We have a lot of confidence in the way we play, and we are prepared for the match against Uganda. They are a good team, but we have done our homework and are fully prepared for the challenge.”

The Red Devils are in good shape, both physically and mentally, and they are eager to prove themselves on the pitch.

With the coach and the players on the same page, their formidable spirit and grit will undoubtedly make the match against the Hippos an exhilarating one.