DR Congo giants Vita Club have advanced to the final of the Caf Confederation Cup after crushing Egyptian side Al Masry 4-0 at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Wednesday.
The Black Dolphins, who held the Egyptians to a goalless draw in the first leg, will face in the final Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, who dispatched Enyimba of Nigeria 3-1 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
Vita Club’s veteran coach Florent Ibengé tells ACLsports what the victory means to him, to the club and country.
“It’s a dream that is coming to pass although we still have two matches to play. Personally, I feel very happy for my leadership which has been the key factor in our progress so far in this campaign.
“We started with little hope and here we are in the final. It brings huge confidence for the players and lifts their spirit. It’s history we are about to make because Vita Club have never won the Caf Confederation Cup. The players are hungrier than me,” he said.
Ibengé doubles as DR Congo national team coach (including the home based). He clinched a third place finish at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and won the 2016 African Nations Championship.
According to him, winning the 2018 Caf Confed Cup would boost their moral for the 2019 AFCON holding in nearby Cameroon, although Ibengé might not lead the team following his announcement of a possible resignation months ago.
“DR Congo are hoping to qualify for the upcoming AFCON in Cameroon. If we win the Caf Confed Cup it would usher the entire nation into the tournament which is a very good thing from our experience.
“When there is hope and joy on national level it augurs well for the national team and the fans are motivated. It’s good for the progress of football,” he said.
The CAF Confederation Cup final double header will hold on November 25 and December 2.
