Dr congo won’t take ghana for granted says kimuaki

DR Congo veteran right back Joel Kimuaki Mpela says the Leopards of DR Congo can hardly wait to play Ghana in the quarter final of the Orange African Nations Championship on Sunday 26th January. The versatile defender was speaking to Cafonline.com ahead of the encounter at Free State Stadium in Mangaung. “We have just had a walk –about on the pitch and for me the Polokwane pitch was better but maybe it’s because l got used to it. Nevertheless we are used to playing on different fields on the continent and our focus will be on winning and we intend to do just that” said Kimuaki.

Kimuaki is one of the four Congolese players who remain from the side that first lost 3-0 to Ghana in group stage but went on to win the final 2-0 against the same opponents. “That was a great way to respond to the group stage defeat and win the Trophy but we will not dwell on that too much for Sunday’s match. It is a different chapter and we cannot live on past glory. Those of us who played and won the 2009 final have been trying to encourage the younger ones among us to believe and know that Ghana maybe a good side with a renowned name in world football but they are beatable” said Kimuaki

It is a message that DR Congo assistant coach Serge believes has been sufficiently drilled into the team, “We certainly respect Ghana but know we can match them and it helps too when you know you have beaten them before. We will however focus on the game in hand and having seen how Ghana plays it is our hope that the way we will set ourselves against them brings us success. I expect a tough match as is always the case when DR Congo plays Ghana. We have prepared for all eventualities including penalty-shoot –out. Coach Mutumbile and l will however not put any player under pressure and burden or knowing who the selected penalty takers are before the start of the game. We will do that as and when the need arises. “

“The joy of this team has been the ability to fuse the experience and youth in our side, so far it has worked well and l think we have the right combination to undo Ghana. I say this not because we are going to take a win over Ghana for granted not at all. We all know perfectly well it will be a battle out there.” Concluded Kimuaki.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) News