Congo coach rues Mbokani award decision

[Folami David]

DRC coach Claude Le Roy was left to rue his decision to allow forward Dieumerci Mbokani stay up to receive a personal award the night before the team's crucial African Nations Cup match against Niger on Thursday.
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The stricker squandered 2 clear-cut chances in the goaless encounter with Niger in Port Elizabeth that came as a blow to the Congolese hopes of reaching the quaterfinals.
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Anderlecht's Mbokani had been up late the night before participating in Belgium's televised annual football award ceremony, where he was named the best player in the league.
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He accepted the award in a satellite link from next to the swimming pool at the team hotel on Wednesday.
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'' Maybe we lost concentration with this party '', said Le Roy, whose side must now beat Mali in Durban on Monday to advance to the last eight.