DR Congo Coach Sebastien Desabre Calls for Risks

to Keep World Cup 'Dream Alive'

The DR Congo national football team, led by coach Sebastien Desabre, is facing a crucial match against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday.

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-placed 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.

But a strict travel ban to the United States has been put in place for those travelling from DR Congo due to an Ebola outbreak. So, how will the team even get to play the match against Uzbekistan?

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,” he added. “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.”

And with star player Yoane Wissa likely to be crucial in their progress, Desabre believes the 29-year-old is back to his best and will prove to be a success at Newcastle.

“Yoane Wissa is a Newcastle striker who 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,” he explained.

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.

Key Facts

  • DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre wants his team to take risks to advance to the World Cup knockout stages.
  • A victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday will secure qualification for the knockout stages as at least one of the best third-placed sides.
  • DR Congo has been placed in a travel ban to the United States due to an Ebola outbreak.
  • Yoane Wissa is a 29-year-old Newcastle striker who is likely to be crucial in DR Congo’s progress.
  • Wissa joined Newcastle 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.