The controversy is at its peak in Kinshasa regarding the meeting between the Leopards of the DRC and The Pharaohs of Egypt in the round of 16, on January 28.

Returning to the upcoming match of the DRC against Egypt, some Kinshasa residents believe that the Pharaohs are not in good shape and will struggle against the Leopards of the DRC, which have many talented individuals.

As proof, they say, Mohamed Salah's teammates did not play well during the round of 32. To this, they believe, is added the problem of Mohamed Salah being unavailable. This greatly diminishes the team.

Others, recalling that the Leopards have had a poor showing with many missed goals at the last meetings, must change their tactics by aiming to unsettle the opponents, by scoring goals. Sébastien Désabre, they recognize, has a good team but his proteges need to work a lot on finishing.

The Congolese, who drew with Zambia (1-1) before doing the same against Morocco, are in second position in this group.

Like the Leopards, The Pharaohs, without their captain, drew against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde to qualify for the next round with 3 points, thanks notably to Ghana's draw (2-2).

Having beaten Zambia with a score of one goal to zero at the San Pedro stadium, Morocco (5 points) occupies the first place in group F, followed by the DRC (3 points).

Zambia is, for its part with Tanzania, third in the standings with 2 points.

The DRC and Egypt have already met twice in the knockout phase of the CAN. The Leopards' match on Wednesday was played as part of the 3rd day of group F at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhobo. It ended with a score of parity (0-0).

As for Morocco, they will clash with South Africa on the same Sunday.

Boni Tsala