Diables Noirs achieved a historic feat by advancing to the group stage of the TotalEnergies Confederation Cup. This was a big goal for the club. From now on, it is no longer a question of a fairytale run.
“I congratulate the players and the public, because it was not easy. We must do everything to enter the group stage. This is my ambition,” said Eric Mouanda, president of the Diables Noirs football section after the second preliminary round.
A few days later, Diables Noirs achieved the goal of their manager. La Passe of Seychelles did not make the weight, beginning with a 2-0 then 4-2 victories sealed this historic qualification.
In the shadow of the illustrious AS Otoho or Leopards of Dolisie (winner of the 2012 CAF Confederation Cup), Diables Noirs are asserting themselves more and more.
And this qualification comes at the right time for the management in order to pursue the objective of revitalizing the Congolese club. This season, no one saw Diables Noirs in the group stage.
Already the opponent of the second preliminary round was a tricky side, but the Congolese passed the Cape Ferroviaro Beira of Mozambique without great difficulty. After a 1-2 defeat in the first leg, Diables Noirs made a 3-0 comeback in the second leg.
Their trainer Clement Massamba had warned that his group was ready and and the outcome proved him right.
“We have prepared well. Athletically and tactically the team was still well oiled. It shows that we are progressing. And I hope we are ready to face our opponent,” he said before the double confrontation against the Mozambican club.
Source: Confederation of African Football