DR Congo midfielder Charles Pickel has reiterated that his side will not be intimidated by the hostile atmosphere awaiting them in the AFCON semi-final clash Cote d’Ivoire.
AFCON 2023 semi-final showdown is upon us as the Leopards face the resurgent Ivorians at the imposing 60,000 capacity Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
A vociferous home crowd will roar on the Elephants but Pickel insists it will be approached like any other match.
“It will be a game like any other. It’s a semi-final we are ready to compete in,” said the Cremonese midfielder.
“We play in front of big crowds for our clubs so it’s not entirely new. They will have huge support but we’re aware of that.”
Coach Sebastien Desabre likewise believe the frenzied atmosphere could work against their opponents if things go DR Congo’s way.
“Playing in a big stadium with lots of fans is usual for us. The advantage can become a disadvantage sometimes,” he said prudently.
As quoted by (Sportvillagesquare)
Desabre emphasized the need for clever game management and focus from his players amid the clamour.
The Leopards have demonstrated solidity and spirit to reach the last four without conceding in the knockout rounds.
But the scale of their task is undeniable against an Ivory Coast side high on confidence after beating reigning champions Senegal.
Pickel and his teammates will need to lean on all their composure and quality to pull off another upset on hostile territory.
Undoubtedly though, DR Congo have shown throughout their run so far that they will not be easily intimidated, even in the most daunting of arenas.
Their clash against Cote d’Ivoire comes up later today 9pm Nigerian time after the first encounter between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
