Samuel Essende after his goal against Mali: "It's special"

A year after making his international debut, Samuel Essende has scored his very first goal for the DR Congo Leopards.

The Augsburg striker secured a 1-0 victory for DR Congo against Mali on Thursday, June 5 in Orléans, in a friendly match. It was a relief and a memorable moment for Samuel Essende:

It's exactly a year since I made my debut for the national team. Now, a lot of people were waiting for this goal. I was waiting for it too, but with a lot of patience. Because that's my biggest strength. I knew it would happen sooner or later.

After a solid performance, Essende made the most of his opportunity, reaping the rewards of his hard work in training and the support from those around him. But beyond his personal achievement, the striker mainly enjoyed the team victory:

I work hard. My teammates encouraged me, the coach as well. For me, it’s a special day. Plus, we got the win—that’s the most important thing.

This goal could well mark a turning point in his journey with the Leopards.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr