Preview

 

Sports Mole previews Monday's International Friendlies clash between Congo DR and Burkina Faso, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Ahead of the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations, Burkina Faso round off their preparations with a friendly versus Congo DR in the United Arab Emirates on Monday.

Burkina Faso have been drawn in Group C alongside host nation Cameroon, Ethiopia and Cape Verde while Congo DR failed to book a place at the tournament.

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Match preview

Burkina Faso had to settle for a third straight share of the spoils following a goalless stalemate versus Al-Murabitun of Mauritania on Thursday.

Kamou Malo's men dominated proceedings on the day but could not find the cutting edge in attack needed to break down a very resolute rearguard.

However, Les Etalons have now stretched their run of consecutive games without defeat to seven since they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Morocco.

Awaiting them next is a clash versus an opposing side against whom they are unbeaten in the most recent four encounters and have won four of the previous seven meetings overall.

The 2013 finalists kick off their quest for a first ever continental title with a contest against Cameroon on Sunday and will be eager to secure a morale-boosting victory heading into the game.

Congo DR picked up back to back wins for the first time in over two years by defeating Benin 2-0 at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium on November 14.

Dieumerci Mbokani opened the scoring from the penalty spot 10 minutes in before Ben Malango sealed the deal with a quarter of an hour left to play.

Consequently, Hector Cuper's men have now qualified for the final round of the 2022 World Cup playoffs with their opponents to be determined on January 26.

The Leopards will aim to make up for their absence at this year's AFCON with a first World Cup appearance since 1974 and a positive result this weekend would help set the tone.

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Team News

While they still await the arrival of a couple of their Europe-based players, Burkina Faso have named a strong 29-man preliminary squad for the upcoming AFCON.

Lassina Traore is the most notable absentee from the list after the Shakhtar forward suffered a season-ending knee injury back in September.

Dieumerci Mbokani recently became the first player in his nation's history to score more than 20 international goals and is one to keep an eye on.

With the Chinese Super League now back in full swing, Mbokani's strike partner Cedric Bakambu is unavailable for the central Africans on Sunday.

Congo DR possible starting lineup:
Kiassumbua; Amale, Luyindama, Zola, Shabani; Bastien, Moutoussamy, Kayembe; Mbokani, Malango, Muleka

Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:
Koffi; Dayo, Kabore, Tapsoba, Yago; Gira, Sangare, Simpore; Bayala, Ouattara, Sanogo

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We say: Congo DR 0-1 Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso boast the better squad are favourites to get the job done, and while we fancy Congo DR to give a good account of themselves, we are tipping the former to emerge victorious in this one.

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