Regularly at Nations Cup tournaments, winners 1968, 1974.
Clubs: traditional, huge crowds, but big successes in Africa long ago, modest success level
Coach: European (Frenchman Claude LeRoy, an experienced coach in Africa).
Here it is again, the old klischee: Congo DR are the Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hide team of Africa. In recent 10 years we have seen all kinds of performances, from the embarrassing wild behaviour against Ghana 1996 to the surprise team football of 1998 (third place), miserably prepared teams, teams with nonames, then with different names, than with stars (Nonda, Lualua). Judging from the preparation match at Morocco one should not expect too much. At their best they could leave Angola and Togo behind. At their worst they will discuss bonuses during the nights before matches, play with taped numbers, and lose all. We’ll see.
Stars: Nonda will miss with an injury, so the best known player seems to be Lualua from the English premier leaue.