DR Congo coach blames poor preparation for CHAN defeat to Kenya
The two-time champions struggled despite dominating possession, failing to convert chances in a game where rustiness proved costly.
Democratic Republic of Congo's forward #9 Jephte Kitambala Bola (L) battles for a header with Kenya's defender #3 Abud Omar Khamis Abud (2nd L) during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage football match between Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. AFP PHOTO
By Maurice Okore
Journalists @New Vision
DR Congo head coach Otis Ngoma attributed his team's 1-0 loss to Kenya in their CHAN 2024 opener to inadequate preparation and lack of match fitness.
The two-time champions struggled despite dominating possession, failing to convert chances in a game where rustiness proved costly.
Democratic Republic of Congo starting eleven poses ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage football match between Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. AFP PHOTO
Ngoma admitted their pre-tournament camp was insufficient, with the domestic league ending early and players lacking competitive sharpness.
Kenya starting eleven poses ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage football match between Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. AFP PHOTO
"We lost balls, missed opportunities—perhaps due to fatigue and lack of concentration," he said.
Despite a spirited second-half display, DR Congo’s attacking inefficiency cost them. The defeat leaves them under pressure ahead of a must-win clash against Zambia on August 7.
Democratic Republic of Congo's forward #17 Tonny Talasi Madudu (C) vies for the ball with Kenya's midfielder #10 Austine Odhiambo Otieno (R) during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) group stage. AFP PHOTO
Ngoma remains optimistic: "We need six points to qualify. I’m confident the team will bounce back." However, another loss could spell early elimination for the Leopards.