Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Sébastien Desabre is not getting ahead of himself — but he knows what might be coming. As DR Congo prepare for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Morocco, the French coach admits that any potential opponent will be a serious test.
Yet, the prospect of facing Cameroon — a regional rival and one of Africa’s giants — adds an extra layer of intrigue and caution.
“In every match we play, we’ll be difficult to face,” Desabre said this week. “We’ll be brave. Above all, we’ll defend our colours with pride.”
The playoff pairings are yet to be determined and will be based on FIFA’s latest rankings, but the scenario of Cameroon meeting DR Congo is among the most anticipated possibilities. For Desabre, who has rebuilt the Leopards into a compact, disciplined and fearless side, the idea of meeting the Indomitable Lions evokes both respect and resolve.
Cameroon remain one of Africa’s most storied national teams — five-time World Cup participants with a reputation for resilience and flair. Despite going through a transitional phase, they still boast a core of experienced players capable of deciding games in moments.
Desabre, meanwhile, has forged a DR Congo identity around collective spirit rather than individual stardom. Under his guidance, the Leopards have developed a reputation for defensive organisation, direct transitions, and a relentless work ethic.
“We know that whichever team we meet will be strong,” Desabre added. “If it’s Cameroon, we’ll approach it with ambition and humility. Respect is there — fear is not.”
Morocco’s neutral ground will host playoffs that promise intensity and emotion, with the winners booking Africa’s final places at the 2026 World Cup. For DR Congo, simply being at this stage is evidence of how far they’ve come under Desabre. But the Frenchman wants more — qualification, and validation that the rebuild is bearing fruit.
Tactical Lens of How DR Congo Could Approach a Potential Clash with Cameroon
Structured Mid-Block and Narrow Lines
Desabre’s system relies on compactness. Against a side like Cameroon — who thrive on physical duels and vertical play — DR Congo would likely maintain a disciplined 4-2-3-1, forcing their opponents wide and closing the central channels where Zambo Anguissa or Aboubakar could dictate.
Transition Play Through Wissa and Bongonda
When they win the ball, the Leopards move fast. Yoane Wissa’s explosive runs down the left and Theo Bongonda’s creativity through the middle have been the hallmarks of Desabre’s counter-attacking blueprint. It’s a simple but effective model: defend deep, transition with pace, and strike before the opponent resets.
Set-Piece Threat
With Chancel Mbemba leading the back line and posing a goal threat in the box, set-pieces remain one of DR Congo’s most consistent weapons. Against a physically strong but sometimes disorganised Cameroon defence, these moments could prove decisive.
Mental Control
Playoff games test composure as much as tactics. Desabre’s men have learned to manage tense moments — and against a team with Cameroon’s pedigree, emotional balance will be key. The longer the game remains even, the more it favours DR Congo’s rhythm.
How the African Playoffs Work
The 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs will feature four runners-up from the group phase — Cameroon, DR Congo, Nigeria, and Gabon — competing for one remaining spot in the intercontinental playoffs.
According to CAF and FIFA regulations:
- Semi-final pairings will be determined by FIFA rankings, with the highest-ranked team facing the lowest-ranked.
- Matches will be played in Morocco, which serves as the neutral host for both the semi-finals (November 13) and final (November 19).
- The winner of the mini-tournament will then represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, where they will compete with teams from other confederations — likely Costa Rica, Iraq or UAE, Jamaica, Bolivia, and New Caledonia — for one final World Cup spot.
For Sébastien Desabre’s Leopards, it’s another chapter in a revival that has turned quiet belief into continental respect. Whether it’s Cameroon or another of Africa’s heavyweights, DR Congo will arrive in Morocco not just as underdogs — but as contenders with purpose.
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