Desabre urges DR Congo to take risks to keep World Cup ‘dream alive’

ATLANTA, United States (AFP) — DR Congo Coach Sebastien Desabre said his side will try to “keep the dream alive” for their fans back home by progressing to the World Cup last 32.

Victory over already-eliminated Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday will secure qualification for the knockout stages as at least one of the best third-place sides.

Desabre’s side stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup game for 52 years, before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

Due to an Ebola outbreak a strict travel ban to the United States has been put in place for those travelling from DR Congo, with the team even having to quarantine in Belgium prior to travelling to the tournament.

And the Frenchman is hoping to give those watching back home more joy against Uzbekistan.

“We’re already happy to have secured the first point for Congo; we’ve had a strong run and we can keep the dream and the story alive for all Congolese people,” Desabre told his pre-match press conference.

“Our players are ready to rise to this challenge. We needed one point from the two [first] matches to keep our qualification destiny in our own hands. Tomorrow a win is essential, so we’ll have to take risks.”

If the Congolese are to progress, Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa is likely to be crucial.

Wissa joined the Magpies in a £55-million deal just under a year ago from Brentford but struggled for fitness and form during his first season at St James’ Park.

The 29-year-old missed the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year due to injury but Desabre believes Wissa, who scored against Portugal, is back to his best and will prove to be a success at Newcastle.

“We’ve got him back to his best. Since the beginning of the training he’s been in good shape, and he showed that in the first match,” he added.

“I think we shouldn’t assess his move to Newcastle too early. He started off getting injured against Senegal — and you know that at the top level of football if you’re not at 100 per cent, it’s very difficult.

“But I know him well; his motivation is impeccable and I think he’ll do very well at Newcastle.”

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Today’s games

Group L

Croatia vs Ghana — 4:00 pm

Panama vs England — 4:00 pm

Group K

Colombia vs Portugal — 6:30 pm

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — 6:30 pm

Group J

Algeria vs Austria — 9:00 pm

Jordan vs Argentina — 9:00 pm