Exclusive interview: Yves Diba Ilunga reflects on his best memories with the "Léopards"

In an exclusive interview, former Congolese international Yves Diba Ilunga looked back on his greatest moments with the national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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I hold on to unforgettable moments with the Léopards, especially my goal in Garoua against Samuel Eto'o's Cameroon, Nicolas Nkoulou, Aurélien Chedjou, as well as my goal and the penalty I won against Mohamed Aboutrika's Egypt, Ahmed Hassan, Gedo... There’s also my goal against Mali, facing Cédric Kanté, Mamadou Diarra… And of course, the 2009 CHAN victory in Ivory Coast… I thank God for his grace throughout my career. With hard work, discipline, and patience, nothing is impossible in football… My only regret is not qualifying for CAN 2013 with DR Congo and missing out on the final squad for CAN 2006, even though I was among Claude Leroy’s promising young talents (he spotted me in 2005 in Lubumbashi).

Yves Diba Ilunga's record with the "Léopards"

In 18 appearances for DR Congo, the Lubumbashi native scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists.

His last appearance dates back to March 31, 2015, in a friendly against Iraq that ended in a 1-0 defeat for the “Léopards.”

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.