DR Congo will take on the 2016 African Nations Championship’s surprise package Guinea for a place in the final, with the teams set to meet at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Wednesday afternoon, kick-off at 16h00 CAT.

DRC earned their place in the final four with a 2-1 extra time victory over hosts Rwanda in the first quarterfinal on Saturday. The Leopards claimed the victory thanks to a goal from Padou Bompunga in the 114th minute of their clash with Amavubi in Kigali.

DRC coach Florent Ibenge was delighted with the result and is now eyeing the final of the competition, with the Leopards targeting a second CHAN triumph after winning the inaugural edition in 2009.

“Coming to this competition in Rwanda, we decided that we are not going back home before February,” Ibenge told Soka25east.com

Guinea, meanwhile, are the dark horses amongst the remaining competitors. Reaching the semifinals on their tournament debut is already a superb achievement, but they feel they can go all the way.

The Syli National held Zambia to a goalless draw in their quarterfinal in Gisenyi on Sunday, before emerging triumphant on penalties to advance into the last four.

“I have told my players the celebrations should not last for long since we have another big hurdle when we face DR Congo, who have also been superb in the tournament,” Guinea coach Mohamed Kanfory Bangoura told Soka25east.com

“We hope to also give them a run for their money as we harbour dreams of reaching the final after making our debut.”

The teams have a dead-even record according to FIFA statistics, with three wins apiece (as well as 11 goals scored each) in their six meetings. Their last clash in a continental tournament was a group stage match in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, which was won 2-1 by Guinea.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com