Afcon 2019: DR Congo players hold crunch meeting ahead of crucial Egypt clash

DR Congo trio Trésor Mputu, Youssouf Mulumbu and Chancel Mbemba have promised the Congolese fans a positive result when they face Egypt in their second Africa Cup of Nations game.

The Leopards fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat against Uganda in their first game in Group A of the 2019 African Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt.

The loss has complicated their chances to qualify to the round of 16 as they face the hosts in their next game on Wednesday, leaving them with no option other than stealing at least a point from the Pharaohs.

Local media reports that the Leopards held an internal meeting alongside the president of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), Constant Omari Selemani, and other executives to clear the impacts of that shocking defeat and focus on the remaining games.

TP Mazembe’s official website reported that the meeting included Leopards duo Youssuf Mulumbu and Chancal Mbemba promising the Congolese public to make up for the defeat when they face Egypt on Wednesday.

Mazembe’s Trésor Mputu had also spoken, mentioning that the Leopards have to give everything they have in the next two games in order to earn the respect of their fans.

“If we want to be respected in the eyes of the world as footballers, let’s be men and get ready to wet their jerseys during the next two encounters,” said Mputu.

“Egypt are not unstoppable. We will fight until the end.”

Captain Youssuf Mulumbu also asserted that the team aims for the next stage of the tourney and will to work to win their games against Egypt and Zimbabwe.

The Leopards face the hosts June 26 at the Cairo International Stadium.