DR Congo out to deny Ethiopia first win

Seven-time African champions lying in wait for the Walias in Group B opener

DR Congo will seek to use their experience on the continental stage to deny Ethiopia a maiden TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations victory when the two sides clash at the Japoma Stadium in a Group B opener on Tuesday.

Seven-time winners Congo up against Ethiopia

The seven-time African champions will recall they started their campaign in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Uganda. Hence, they will be eager to make a strong start against a side they have faced twice in the last 12 months -- both in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Those two matches ended in a 3-0 win for Congo in Kinshasa, and a 1-1 draw in Bahir Dar.

DR Congo coach Hector Cuper is expected to rely heavily on experience against Ethiopia, and the likes of goalkeeper Joel Kiassumbua, defender Christian Luyindama and forward Dieumerci Mbokani will be key.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia, seeking a first Africa Cup of Nations win since a 4-2 triumph over Benin in 2013, will be hoping to draw inspiration from a team that defied odds to come through the qualifiers.

The Walias Antelopes stunned Ivory Coast, and held both Denmark and South Africa in the build-up to their first Nations Cup appearance in a decade.

Coach Wubetu Abate has included six foreign-based players in his 28-man squad led by Amanuel Gebremichael of Ethiopian Coffee, who scored 11 goals to help the side qualify.