Coach Sebastien Desabre of the Democratic Republic of Congo says his team will “do everything” to go to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations final when they play Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday.

At the commanding 60,000-seat Stade Alassane Ouattara in Yamoussoukro, the Leopards square off against the resurgent Ivorians.

After humiliating record seven-time winners Egypt, Desabre thinks his team can produce another shocking outcome.

Read Also:AFCON 2023: Blow for South Africa as Maseko ruled out of Nigeria clash

“We approach this with calmness and patience. The boys have recovered well after beating Guinea,” he said.

“Having an extra day of rest compared to our opponent could also be key.”

Despite multiple suspensions, Desabre recognised the depth of Cote d’Ivoire’s strength.

“They have a quality squad and even without four players, they have other strengths and a deep bench,” he noted.

The intimidating atmosphere expected will not deter the French coach’s Congolese team.

“We are competitors, we want to reach the final and will do everything to achieve that,” Desabre stated bullishly.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is getting dangerously close to hosting their first AFCON main event since 1974 after making it past Guinea and Egypt.

However, a Cote d’Ivoire team full of flair and confidence after victories over Senegal and Mali stands in their way.

Two titans of the African game, each vying for supremacy on the continent, square off in this semifinal match, which looks to be an epic battle.

Desabre has unwavering faith in his leopards, but he is aware that the elephants would be a tough test for them.

This matchup of the final four could come down to whose squad can manage the extreme pressure better because both teams are vying for a spot in the championship.

DR Congo’s incredible run has garnered attention, but they now need to muster every last bit of bravery and excellence.