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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Mputu targets knockout stages

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Mputu targets knockout stages
Jan 11th 2013, 01:09

DR Congo captain Tresor Mputu believes reaching the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations will be a huge achievement for the national team.

In an interview with the TP Mazembe website, Mputu said the first objective is to move out of the group and qualify for the knockout stages.

"We are going to build and strengthen further the team spirit that we have built since the playoffs with Claude Le Roy. At the same time, it will be a good opportunity to test the technical qualities of our group after a physical work in Port Elizabeth in December. Even without a lot of friendly games, I think the coach will manage to bring to AFCON a team ready to fight," he said.

He said it is important to play in the AFCON: "This is an important competition for us, even just for the great memories we keep for our last participation in 2006. We would love to relive the same feel and to celebrate our coming back among the top 16 nations of the continent."

He added: "Do not forget that during the AFCON 2006, we were eliminated in the quarterfinals and then the DRC selection has experienced six years of slump. We cannot afford to relax during our stay in Oman for preparation."

Asked what it means to play for the national team, Mputu said: "I do not hide it, in the national team there is no additional motivation to win games, but we play to improve the image of our football, I call it patriotism. I leave Friday and leave behind my family because I love this country, but some of my compatriots do not like the national team.

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