DR Congo embrace underdog role as Colombia test looms

Democratic Republic of Congo return to Mexico and the scene of their World Cup qualification on Tuesday, with coach Sebastien Desabre embracing the underdog role against Colombia and urging his team to seize another chance to extend a landmark campaign.

Back at the Guadalajara Stadium where they qualified for the finals via a playoff win over Jamaica, DR Congo face Colombia in Group K with Desabre describing their opponents are clear favourites.

But the coach said his players had already shown in their opening 1-1 draw with Portugal that they belonged on the world stage after a 52-year absence.

"We qualified for the World Cup in this stadium, in a great atmosphere. So I hope it will be the same tomorrow," Desabre told reporters on Monday.

"Colombia, of course, are an excellent team. They are the favourites ... But we have shown that we are capable of doing excellent things as well."

Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opener and if they defeat DR Congo they will reach the Round of 32.

The African side earned their first point and scored their first goal at a World Cup against Portugal, a result that has lifted expectations while leaving Desabre focused on the arithmetic of qualification.

"The goal is to get points. We need to qualify. We need three or four points in order to reach that goal," he added. "The role of challenger is a role that we enjoy."

Midfielder Aaron Tshibola said the team's identity was built on unity, defensive discipline and threat on the break.

"We are a team, first of all, that is hard to beat," he said. "We were very aggressive in transition, and we're a threat going forward."

Colombia are expected to enjoy heavy support in Guadalajara, but Desabre said his players would not be distracted by the atmosphere.

"We will be focused on ourselves and on our game," he said.

For Tshibola, the mission remains bigger than one result.

"It is to make our people proud. It is to make our country proud," he added.

(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)