Technically and tactically, the “Leopards” of the Democratic Republic of Congo provided spectators a display of thrilling skills throughout the inaugural tournament of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which ended in Abidjan at the weekend.
Learning their lesson from a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the “Black Stars” of Ghana in the first round, the DRC team was determined to prevent a repeat. Having had the advantage of playing their semi- final game against Zambia on the same pitch, they unsurprisingly dominated from the moment the referee blew his whistle.
With a homogenous team, a good number of whom were from the club, TP Mazembe, the Congolese under coach Motombile Santos proved to be more determined than in their previous encounter against Ghana.
Despite numerous attempts from both sides, the two goalkeepers managed to maintain a clean sheet until the end of the first half. Tresor Mputu's 12th minute attempt from the left and also those of his team mate and captain failed to destabilize Philemon McCarthy, the Ghanaian keeper.
On the Ghanaian side, Ibrahim Ayew, known for his pace, found it difficult to beat his marker with his runs.
The “Leopards” received a shock when a through header from Antwi Yaw at the 34th found the back of the net. But Ghana’s celebrations were short-lived as the goal was ruled off side.
From their first offensive after half-time,the DRC took the lead. A cut-back from Tresor Mputu found the head of Kaluyituka Dioko, who placed it into the net. (1-0 47th minute).
Ghana, taken aback by this early goal, pushed for a quick reply. However the experience of the Congolese team proved superior to the youthfulness of the Ghanaians. Dominated in every aspect of the game, they were left chasing the ball in pursuit of an equalizer. Pushing up front rendered them vulnerable at the back, an advantage that was seized by Bedi Mbenza through a counter at the 76th minute (2-0).
This goal almost certainly assured victory for the Congolese and they did well to consolidate their position, forcing their opponents to chase the ball through the rest of the game. To the delight of numerous Ivorian spectactors, the DRC interchanged numerous passes, exhibiting a good technical flair. The Ghanaians, whose elegant play has earned them the nickname “the Brazilians” in the past, were clearly overpowered by the DRC this time around.
The DRC were now looking forward to their first continental title, 35 years after winning the African Cup of Nations. Motumbile Santos will go down in history as the first coach to win the CHAN. The next tournament will be held in Sudan in 2011.
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Zamiba Wins Third Place
Saturday saw the third place play-off between the “Chipolopolo Boys” of Zambia and the “Taranga Lions” of Senegal. Though the two teams have proved to be the best attacking and best defensive sides respectively in the tournament, it was the Zambians who proved more eager to win silver, coming from behind to do so.
The lead won by Senegal’s Oumar Sows in the 23rd minute was cancelled by an equalizer from the Zambian Simon Bwalya in the 49th. The Senegalese proved inefficient after the equalizer, losing their rhythm with a string of imprecise passes.
The Zambians on the other hand, took advantage of the situation and the prolific Gift Singuluma did not hesitate to increase the score at the 75th minute. The goal not only gave his team their win, it confirmed his status as the highest goal-scorer in the tournament.
Translated from the original French by Michael Tantoh
