Black Cats star carries hopes of a nation

NOAH Sadiki admits he is hoping he can carry the hopes of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations while proving to the continent what his nation is capable of.

- By CLIVE YOULTON Football writer [e-mail]

DRC kickoff their tournament today (12.30pm) against Benin.

“I am really excited. I can't wait to start,’ said the midfielder on safc.com.

“T've looked forward to it for a really long time and to be part of it, will be something big. It’s going to be a little bit like when I played the first time in the Premier League but in a different way.

“when I come back, I’m going to talk about this because I know it's going to be a special feeling”.

Sadiki and Sunderland teammate Arthur Masuaku have spent the last week with their national side and played in a warm-up match in Spain, beating Zambia 2-0, with Masuaku scoring one of the goals.