TEAM PROFILE: DR Congo are chasing back-to-back FIBA AfroCan success

 

KINSHASA (DR Congo) - When DR Congo won the inaugural edition of the FIBA AfroCan in 2019 in Bamako, they knew that all eyes would be on them for the upcoming tournament in Angola, this July (8-16).

The Congolese are looking forward to winning back-to-back FIBA AfroCan titles, and prove that their 2019 win was not a fluke.

DR Congo wrote their name in gold letters in the history of the FIBA AfroCan

DR Congo will eye to protect their title. The question is: Can DR Congo win back-to-back FIBA AfroCan titles?

Below are some facts about DR Congo.

Team: DR Congo

FIBA Ranking Men: 71st in the world; (10th in Africa)

Last participation at the AfroCan: 2019

Best result at the AfroCan: Winner (2019)

How they qualified for the 2023 AfroCan: DR Congo are the reigning FIBA AfroCan champions. They won the inaugural edition of the tournament in Bamako, Mali, in 2019.

By reaching the Semi-Finals, they punched their names on the ticket to this year's competition.

Africa: Four years ago, they stunned the whole continent by winning the title to Kenya in a flawless 5-0 run. On their way to the Final, they got the better of Nigeria, Angola and Kenya (twice). In the Championship Game, they claimed a solid 82-61 to clinch their first-ever continental trophy.

Rolly Fula

Star player: It would be difficult to pick one player for DR Congo’s roster. But Rolly Fula, Evariste Shonganya and Jordan Sakho - if available - could be fundamental for the reigning champions.

Rising star: Akim Nkibisaka seems to be the one whose name rhymes with the status of rising star. He is only 18 years of age and currently features among the best sharpshooters in the local league. He will be one to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.

Head Coach: Pierrot Ilunga. He was part of the coaching staff that conquered the first FIBA AfroCan.

Pierro Ilunga (seen on the right - top row) served as assistant during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers

He was also part of the coaching staff that went to the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.

He has recently been appointed as head coach of the Leopards by the DR Congo Basketball Federation. As a player, Ilunga has suited up for various clubs, namely Primero d'Agosto of Angola. 

Outlook: Looking at what they did in 2019, one question arises: can DR Congo repeat the same feat ? Things don't look as bright as they seem for the reigning AfroCan champions as their preparation for the tournament has met with some issues. "We've been facing financial difficulties," said the coach.

But he promises his charges will fight tooth and nail to defend their crown. "We won't give up the fight. We'll keep fighting as long as we can for our country," Ilunga noted.

Drawn in Group D along with hungry Cameroon and staggering Mozambique, DR Congo should be looking to the next round. However, it takes the slightest mistake for the cookie to crumble and the Leopards know it. As reigning champions, everyone is expecting them to put up some good fights on their way.

FIBA