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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 82197, member: 636"] The Sunderland kid isn't buying his own hype yet. Noah Sadiki says he hasn't proven anything in the Premier League. The midfielder aims to lead DR Congo past Algeria in the AFCON last sixteen. He called the upcoming match their toughest challenge so far. A win is required to keep their big dreams alive. This is his first major international tournament experience. Sadiki switched allegiance from Belgium to DR Congo last year. He told reporters he is just trying to enjoy every moment. A sprinkler even soaked him during the media session. The twenty-one-year-old remains focused on continuous improvement. He admitted his recent club performances have been good. Sadiki insists he must keep proving himself as competition intensifies. He claims he has not done anything all that extraordinary. This humble stance comes despite a stellar season for Sunderland. His promoted side sits eighth in the Premier League table. The team has drawn four straight games since his departure for AFCON. Sadiki missed those matches after a derby win over Newcastle. He said his initial adjustment at Sunderland was difficult. Help from teammates aided his adaptation following a fifteen-million-pound transfer. He gave a mixed review of his own tournament performances so far. His first game was good, his second average, and his third limited. Sadiki believes the real competition starts now in the knockout stage. He laughed off a reporter's suggestion that he avoided the ball during matches. The player holds big ambitions for the remainder of the event. He stated that everyone wants to win when they enter a competition. DR Congo last won the AFCON title fifty years ago as Zaire. Reaching the semifinals last year was their best recent result. Victory in a March playoff would send them to the World Cup. Sadiki said winning now would reward longtime national team players. The squad is full of confidence, knowing their own capabilities. [/QUOTE]

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