The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have always targeted a place in the World Cup knockout rounds on their return to the finals ​for the first time in 52 years but must beat Uzbekistan ‌in Atlanta on Saturday to realise that dream.

The DRC earned a deserved 1-1 draw, opens new tab with Portugal in their Group K opener, before a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Tuesday means they have ​work to do against an Uzbekistan side who are not out ​of contention themselves.

Following the defeat to the Colombians, the side are ⁠itching to get back on the park and make up for ​that failure.
“We are in very good shape, we are waiting for the next ​game. We want to play as soon as possible,” striker Simon Banza told Reuters at their Houston training base on Thursday.

He says they have respect for the Uzbeks, who ​are coached by Italian 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro.

“They are a ​very good team, I know some of the players from there. They never give ‌up. ⁠But we are the same, it should be a very good game,” Banza said.

The forward says the goal for the side remains the same, despite a difficult build-up to the tournament that saw them have to change their ​preparation plans to ​suit requirements to ⁠enter the United States due to the Ebola virus, opens new tab back home.

“We have had a goal since we came to the ​World Cup and that is to go far in ​the tournament,” ⁠Banza said.

Coach Sebastien Desabre adds his side should not be downcast over the Colombia loss and keep confidence high for the Uzbek challenge.

“We need to accept ⁠the ​loss, keep our heads high and get ​back into the fight quickly,” he said. “Uzbekistan will be difficult because they defend well, but we ​are going to give our all.”

–Reuters–