DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu. | image source: africatopsports.com
DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu has ruled himself out of Saturday’s AFCON quarterfinal tie against neighbours Congo Brazzaville on account of a hamstring injury.
On Monday, DRC qualified for the AFCON last 8 for the first time since 2006 without the injured West Bromwich Albion star and he said he will also miss the quarterfinal against Congo.
“I will not play the quarterfinal because of the injury, but I trust my teammates to qualify us for the semifinals and then I will play another game in this tournament,” Mulumbu said.
“The medical staff are working hard to make sure I am back playing again.”
However, he said he hopes his country wins Saturday’s clash of the Congos.
“It will be a derby, but it is a must-win game for us,” said Mulumbu, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Sunday.
“It was great to go past the group stage and bring some happiness to our people who are going through a hard time and we wish to continue to do that with another victory on Saturday.
“You never even know, we could go all the way to the final now.”
Meanwhile, DRC coach Jean Florent Ibenge said he expects a difficult quarterfinal against Congo Brazzaville.
“It will be a difficult game because we are two countries who are very close and we know ourselves very well,” said the 53-year-old coach.
“DR Congo are a very strong team with some good players and a great coach. (Thievy) Bifouma is really quick and (Fode) Dore is very tall. Their midfield works a lot.
“We will continue to work hard. This is only my sixth month in charge of the team and I know we can do more going forward.”
- africanfootball.com