Strengths
Attacking potential - The word ‘potential’ has been used because their attack is either very good or utterly flat. On a good day (usually when given space), in Mbokani, Bolasie, Mabwati, Jeremy Bokila, Firmin Ndombe Mubele and Junior Kabananga, they have the options, skill and athleticism to cause problems for any side in the tournament.
Weaknesses
Out-of-form goalkeeper - DR Congo's legendary, bum-boogieing custodian Robert Kidiaba, who is set to call time on his international career after the tournament, is in terrible form. He makes routine saves and catches turn into goalscoring opportunities. Defending in general is a problem, with the space in front of the back four particularly an eyesore due to gung-ho midfielders.
Key Player
Yannick Bolasie - The Crystal Palace winger refused a call up to the squad for AFCON 2013 in order to focus on establishing himself with the South Londoners, but there has been unquestionable commitment to the cause since accepting the second call. Packaged with streetwise-horned razzle-dazzle, Bolasie has been the blockbuster material for a Congolese crowd baying for entertainment in the dizzying, sprawling hullabaloo of the Tata Rapahael Stadium.
The Hipster Choice
Firmin Ndombe Mubele - Has suffered stage fright in the DR Congo jersey thus far, but Mubele is comfortably up there
with the most promising domestic
talent that Africa has to offer. Pacey, fleet-footed and an instinctive finisher, the 20-year-old was the joint top scorer in last year's African Champions League with 6 goals.
The Coach
Florent Ibenge - The 52-year-old, who left Congo aged 12 before playing in the lower leagues of France, Belgium and Germany, also doubles up as the manager of AS Vita Club, leading them to the final of the African Champion’s League last year. A UEFA-licensed coach and trained economist, he is tactically laxer than predecessor Le Roy, allowing his attackers the carte blanche to express themselves.
SFG Predicts
Group stage exit - They have the ability to go far but will have to defend better and not be so reliant on the magic of Yannick Bolasie if they’re really going to make a splash.
By Salim Masoud Said (@salimosaid)