DR Congo coach urges players to remain positive after World Cup defeat to Colombia

The African nation fell to a 1-0 loss against the South Americans in Guadalajara, which leaves them on one point after two matches in Group K.

Desabre acknowledged that Colombia had been the better team and deserved the victory after squandering numerous opportunities before Daniel Munoz scored the winner with 14 minutes remaining.

"It would have been good to get a draw, but we must recognise that Colombia was superior," he said. "They have an excellent possession game.

"Our second half was better, but that's football. We have to analyse what happened and move forward quickly."

Desabre knows a positive result against Uzbekistan in their final group outing in Atlanta should be enough for his team to reach the last 32 for the first time in their history.

DR Congo can take plenty of optimism into the clash against the Asian side after holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening encounter at the global tournament.

"We need to accept the loss against Colombia, keep our heads high and get back into the fight quickly," Desabre told reporters.

"We are happy to have scored our first goal (against Portugal), and we are using this as a learning experience. Uzbekistan will be difficult because they defend well, but we are going to give our all. Now we have to rest and recover our energy."

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