DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba has confidently declared his team's readiness to stifle Zambia's attack as they prepare to face their neighbours in the opening match of Group F at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations today. Speaking in a pre-match interview on Tuesday, Mbemba acknowledged the threat posed by Zambia's attacking unit but assured his side is prepared for the challenge. "We are not afraid of the Zambian attack," he said. "We'll wait for tomorrow (today) to show what we're capable of." His manager, Sébastien Desabre, hinted at deploying a strong lineup for the tournament opener between the two sides, whose last meeting at the Cup of Nations in 2015 ended in a 1-1 draw. Congo progressed to the next round after finishing second in the group, while Zambia were eliminated after finishing bottom. "We're going to line up a quality eleven to make a good game against Zambia," Desabre stated. DR Congo will be without the services of suspended defender Dylan Batubinsika. However, the French manager reported a positive atmosphere in his camp ahead of the crucial tie. "Lots of motivation and lots of collective energy," he said. "Players are ready to hit the competition." The two sides will lock horns today with kick-off set for 10:00 PM Zambian time. Both teams will be aiming to start their campaign on a positive note and set the tone for the rest of the group stage.