""We take it step by step," said Frenchman Desabre. "The first is to get out of the group stage. Right now, our only focus is the first match against Benin. After that, it's knockout football. "In this kind of tournament, anything can happen: you need to play well, have a bit of luck, and the right circumstances. The level at AFCON keeps rising, making every run even more demanding.""
"Desabre added: "We brought him in gradually. With young players, you always have to protect them as much as possible, because the pressure is huge and judgments can be very quick. At first, he got a few minutes, then he started, especially against Ethiopia. After that, he earned his place. "It gives us the flexibility to make choices based on our tactical options. The midfield is very competitive, but over the past few months, especially at Sunderland, he's really stepped up.""
DR Congo open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Benin following a fourth-place finish in 2023 and just one defeat this calendar year. Coach Sebastien Desabre deploys a Europe-based squad that emphasizes high-press tactics suitable for a group including Senegal and Botswana. The immediate objective is to advance from the group stage with full focus on the opening match before shifting to knockout football. Midfielder Noah Sadiki has become central after earning minutes and starts at Sunderland. Benin are expected to adopt a defensive, counter-attacking approach and face absences that could prove decisive.
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