Congo-Brazzaville Defender Ruled Out of Zimbabwe Clash

Congo-Brazzaville has been dealt with a big blow ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Harare next month.

Linense defender Baron Kibamba, the nation’s football most prized possession, has been ruled out of the encounter after sustaining an injury.

The 20-year-old was substituted in late stages of the second half after he damaged his lateral ligament during their game against Sevilla’s reserve side.

The defender has been ruled out for 30 days, thus he is not expected to be on the list of players to be announced by Congo coach Valdo Filho on Friday.

Striker Thievy Bifouma is also doubtful of starting after he suffered a torn collateral ligament during training with his Turkish club MKE Ankaragücü.

The exact time of recovery is still unknown, but the 26-year old could stay on the sidelines for weeks.

Bifouma is Congo’s top goal scorer in the qualifiers and was the one who got the equalizer in the first leg played in Brazzaville last year.

Congo are at the bottom of their qualifying group but having their fate in their hands as they need a win against Zimbabwe in March to qualify for the finals.