DR Congo vow to improve to face Cameroon in CHAN quarters

DR Congo assistant coach Pamphile Mihayo says they will improve on their performance to face hosts Cameroon in quarterfinals of the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020 on Saturday.

The Leopards, who have been ravaged by Covid-19 outbreak in their camp, reached the last eight of the tournament on Monday thanks to a fortuitous 2-1 victory over a gallant Niger side.

A 90th minute howler by Mena goalkeeper Abdoul Razak Halidou allowed the Leopards to win the match in the last minute and end their opponents’ hopes of advancing.

The Leopards will play hosts Cameroon at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Saturday after the host nation finished second in Group A.

The Congolese played with an under-strength side in their match against Niger after 12 players tested positive for coronavirus which affected their preparation.

Mihayo, who has been acting in the place of Florent Ibenge after the head coach tested positive for the Covid-19, admits Niger gave them a tough fight and must improve to play the home side.

“Congratulations to Niger who played great football. As I said before the match, we expected a tough game,” Mihayo said in the post-match press conference on Monday.

“With a decimated squad, where twelve players were missing due to COVID-19, we were able to achieve our first goal by qualifying for the quarter-finals.

“Regarding our quarter-final match against Cameroon, we will prepare under the same conditions. There are things to improve and prepare our team.”

The victory for DR Congo means they finish top of Group A with seven points, Congo take the second position with four points while Libya and Niger are tied at the bottom of the group with two points apiece.