DR Congo coach Otis Ngoma insists "nothing is lost" despite his side's 1â0 defeat to Kenya in their opening Group A fixture at CHAN PAMOJA 2024, but he admits a response against Zambia is now non-negotiable.
The Leopards, winners of the tournament in 2009 and 2016, struggled to convert their chances after a disrupted build-up to the competition that saw them spend only two and a half weeks in camp. "We only need six points to qualify, and there are still three matches to go," Ngoma said as he looked ahead to their next fixture. "I'm confident the players will bounce back quickly." Ngoma wants his team to sharpen up both mentally and tactically ahead of Thursday's crucial meeting with Zambia at the same venue.
Technical staff are focusing on quicker transitions, better finishing and defensive compactness. "Another defeat would put us on the brink of elimination," Ngoma warned. "We need to restore confidence in the group and go for that first victory." DR Congo know only victory will ease concerns after their surprise opening-day setback.
