Ibenge hails Les Leopards' fighting spirit

The Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Jean-Florent Ibenge has praised his side after beating Guinea in the semi-finals of the 2016 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) at Amahoro National Stadium on Wednesday. Ibenge’s team made their second appearance in the final of the continent’s showpiece, which is reserved for players featuring in their respective national championships after a nail-biting 5-4 win in penalty shootouts against Guinea. The game had ended a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes. Ibenge, who guided DR Congo to third place in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), later hailed his players for their fighting spirit that enabled them to win the game against what he described as a “very talented” Guinea side. DR Congo took the lead through striker Jonathan Bolingi Mpangi in the 102nd minute after a goalless draw in normal time, but with just a second left, midfielder Ibrihima Sory Sankhon broke the Leopards’ hearts with a 121st leveler. The 58-year-old Ibenge admitted he was angry with his team for not taking their chances in normal time but, most significantly, failing to hold on after taking the lead. He said, “I believe we are in good position to finish our mission. We tried to control the game early but I was angry for my team for not using their chances in normal time but right now I am happy and I am looking forward to the final game.” “They (Guinea) are a very talented and strong team, and they have quality players who can score against you at any time. They have a good style of play but thankfully we managed to beat them today, Wednesday,” added the AS Vita Club head coach. This is the second time DR Congo have reached the final after winning the inaugural edition back in 2009 in Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, his counterpart Mohamed Kanfory Bangoura said that his players gave their best to win the game but lost to a more experienced team. A visibly disappointed Bangoura said, “I feel bad to lose on penalties, but I am proud that we have managed to reach in the semi-finals on our first time in the tournament.” “My boys gave 100% in the game and you can see after we conceded how they fought back, so this is part of the game. We are going to organise ourselves and get ready for the third place game,” he added. DR Congo will face Mali who beat Ivory Coast in the other semi final match at Kigali Regional Stadium yesterday. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Ibenge hails Les Leopards' fighting spirit