Exclusive interview - Yves Diba Ilunga: "Bongonda, the X factor for the Leopards in 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs"

Exclusive interview - Yves Diba Ilunga: "Bongonda, the X factor for the Leopards in 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs" Interview Bongonda, the X factor for the Leopards at the 2026 World Cup, according to Yves Diba Ilunga Bongonda/@sportnewsafrica The DR Congo national team will be looking to rewrite history on March 31, when they take on the winner of the New Caledonia vs Jamaica match in the final of the intercontinental play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards are aiming to secure Africa's 10th ticket, joining Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, and South Africa, who have already qualified. To discuss this major event, Foot Africa spoke with former DR Congo international Yves Diba Ilunga, a key figure in DR Congo’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) triumph in 2009.

Now retired, the former Molenbeek (Belgium) player graciously answered questions from the Foot Africa editorial team. First of all, how do you assess Sébastien Desabre’s squad selection for the intercontinental play-offs? The coach has his own vision and playing philosophy, which require very specific player profiles.

I hope Sébastien Desabre’s list was drawn up with this in mind, regardless of any criticism from outside. What matters most is squad cohesion and that the players fit the system’s demands. Between New Caledonia and Jamaica, which opponent do you think is more manageable?

Nowadays, there are no small teams in football. Every opponent must be taken very seriously. That being said, the Leopards should take advantage of their fresher legs, as their potential opponent will have just come through a tough first play-off match on March 27.