TheCable

Going by DR Congo’s performance in the group stages, no one can underrate them ahead of the quarter-final clash against one of the tournament favourites, Ghana.

The Leopards were one of the best teams in the group stages and they have the potential to stun any team.

They did it to Ivory Coast and completely dominated the game against Togo.

Surprisingly, DR Congo is not vulnerable in defense in spite of their high-intensity pressing game.

The Black Stars, on the other hand, are struggling to improve as the tournament progresses. They have failed to captivate the continent in any of their games.

The Ghanaian team is also not at full strength going into the game.

Asamoah Gyan, the ace forward who’s gunning for a record 50 international goals after picking his 100th cap, is a big doubt after the injury he picked up in the last group game against Egypt.

Ghana’s best performance was the fascinating first half blitz against Mali where sparks of their true potential were noticeable.

To win this game, Ghana must be able to score more than the single goals that won them two games in the group stages.

DR Congo’s best weapon, Junior Kabananga, is the tournament’s top scorer, and so far, one of the few stand-out performers.

The only player close to challenging him in terms of performance is Ghana’s Christian Atsu, player of the tournament in 2015.

Ghana has more star quality but Fulham’s Neeskens Kebano who has shone for DR Congo is one to look out for.

The Ghanaian team’s fluid style of play was hampered by the pitches in Port Gentil but the quarter-final venue of Oyem is not much different.

That said, Christian Atsu is in splendid form for Ghana and Andre Ayew, who was crushed after losing on penalties at the last tournament, is desperate to win.