DR Congo boss Florent Ibenge Ikwange has underscored the important of getting a good result against Ivory Coast in Oyem today to enhance progression.
He holds the Elephants remain formidable but less glamorous without 2015 stars like Yaya Toure or injured Gervinho, and fancies their chances against the defending champions.
“Without the presence of Yaya Toure of Gervinho, the Elephants have lost their beauty, they have less players with great names. The generation has changed, perhaps they are less glamorous now, but they remain formidable,” the AS Vita Club coach said.
He added, “We have seen them against France in a friendly, it’s a team that does not lose easily. It shows their strength. We need extreme motivation against them.”
The Leopards, touted as true title challengers, were off to a bright start in group C – beating Morocco 1-0 to top the group. The Ivory Coast on the other hand were forced to a barren draw against underdogs Togo.
Ibenge will make do without three key players, including full back Joyce Lomalisa who was sent off for double caution, Gabriel Zakuani and Fabrice N’Sakala, who are out injured.
His opposite number Michel Dussuyer, who was not impressed by his team’s low key show against Togo, has urged a step up against the Central Africa side, and a performance worthy of a defending champion.
He will be glancing back to their 2015 outing in Equatorial Guinea for inspiration, where the Elephants beat DRC 3-0 at the semifinal stage.
