DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre says his side has “points” to win the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after finally recording their first tournament victory against Guinea in the quarter-finals.

The Leopards had drawn all four previous games against Zambia, Morocco, Tanzania, and Egypt. But their 3-1 triumph over Guinea on Saturday earned a semi-final clash with hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

For Desabre, the long-awaited win shows his team is hitting form at the perfect time.

“This victory comes at the right time as we gain momentum in the competition. We won, drew, but did not lose,” the Frenchman said.

Desabre now believes DR Congo can dream of the ultimate prize. “It would be foolish not to believe in the final victory. But it will be difficult,” he conceded.

The coach feels DR Congo has the firepower to trouble any defense despite only scoring three goals before the quarters.

“We have forwards like Bakambu, Banza, and Mayele Fiston. We know it was a matter of time before we succeeded,” Desabre insisted.

With momentum building and a first AFCON crown now within reach, the DR Congo boss is daring to dream.

“When you reach the semi-finals, you first want to reach the final. And if you can reach the final, you want to win it,” said Desabre.

“We will do everything to have no regrets.”

After finally finding their attacking spark, Desabre and DR Congo can be forgiven for believing their AFCON fairytale may have a glorious ending.