If the Democratic Republic of Congo were to lift the cup, on 13 February, few people would begrudge coach Lusadusu Basilua.

The quietly spoken 41-year-old has been part of the technical staff with the Simbas at the past four finals.

This time, he has graduated to become head coach.

At Burkina '98, although part of the backroom team, Lusadusu Basilua took it upon himself to provide as much detail as possible on his little-known side, who delighted observers with their own brand of skillful counter-attacking football which ultimately earned them third place.

Full-back Kimoto could quickly turn defence into attack, while in midfield, Ekanza Simba directed the play, threading passes to Emeka Esanga.

The country has a great tradition with two previous titles under two previous names, in 1968 as Congo Kinshasa and in 1974 as Zaire.

Now with a new identity, and with their newly "graduated" coach, they have a chance to make it a unique hat-trick.

Democratic Republic of Congo squad
		Coach: Basilua Lusadusu
		Mkueni Mayala	DC Motema Pembe
		Dikilu Bageta	DC Motema Pembe
		Kabwe Kasongo	Chaves, Portugal
		Kitulele Yuvuladio	DC Motema Pembe
		Esele Bakasu	Cambridges
		Ndjanka Mukando	DC Motema Pembe
		Banza Kasongo	VfL Wolfsburg, Germany
		Makaya Nsilulu	Esperance, Tunisia
		Felix-Michel Ngonge	Watford, England
		Mputu Mbungu	Al Hilal, Sudan
		Emeka Esanga	Kaizer Chiefs RSA, S Africa
		Nkombe Tokala	Vita Club
		Missilou Mangituka	Jets, Zimbabwe
		Michel Dinzey	1860 Munich, Germany
		Joseph Londji	FC Cologne, Germany
		Apataki Kifu	DC Motema Pembe
		Kanku Mulekelayi	FC Lupopo
		Ngidi Yemweni	DC Motema Pembe
		Ndompetelo Mbabu	Vita Club
		Epotele Bazamba	Dragons
		Mubama Kibwey	Chatellerault, France
		Tusikila Mampuya	Sodigraf