Two very confusingly similar names separated by “democratic”. Two great cultures and styles. Two different countries with dissimilar histories. Two different growth trajectories and continental influence. Everything Congo is in twos.
More than one thing separates both countries. Other than the Congo River sitting between Kinshasa and Brazzaville, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo respectively, football is also a stark difference between both nations.
On Sunday, both countries will face-off in Central African nation, Cameroon at the African Nations Championship.
Their achievements are nothing near equal and the same is in the difference of the extent of their resources. Resources, which even extends to humans in sports.
D.R Congo do not have many football stars in Europe but they have quite a number of wonderful talents at home. With AS Vita and eternal giants, Tout Puissant Mazembe leading the ranks locally, they have two of the best-run and arguably most formidable sides on the continent.
Congo, on the other hand are a steadily rising nation, seeking to find a balance in the continent and earn some bragging rights.
Football, like the River Congo separates both countries. With an over 4000-kilometre stretch, the historically significant Congo river is one of the longest in the world and second longest in Africa.
The distance between the football qualities of both countries may not be as long but the width of their achievements is just as wide.
D.R Congo are the most successful side at the CHAN, winning on two previous occasions.
While the Republic of Congo has shown quality in recent time, defeating Equatorial Guinea in a dramatic qualifying affair, they will only hope to match their neighbours for quality and experience.
Congo D.R still boast of a full complement of players with Renaissance goalkeeper, Ley Matampi, known for his unique hairdo and bum-slide celebration, expected to be in the starting eleven. Other stars like Fiston Mayele and Lilepo Makabi hope to continue from where they finished with AS Vita.
Congo-Brazzaville also boasts of a full squad with no cases of coronavirus or injuries in the squad and will hope to ruffle their superior neighbour’s feathers and keep the distance closer than the length of the River Congo.
It takes a 5-minute flight between Kinshasa and Brazzaville but in Douala, Cameroon, both countries will be even nearer as they go toe-to-toe, skill-for-skill, and trade football artistry at the African Nations Championship, which realistically, suits their development and focus.