Sunderlands Sadiki remains modest while DR Congo eyes AFCON quarterfinals
Noah Sadiki maintains that he has yet to establish himself among the Premier Leagues elite players, as the Sunderland standout seeks to guide the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
The 21 year old midfielder, born in Brussels, featured consistently for an impressive Sunderland squad this season prior to joining the Leopards for the AFCON.
They face Algeria in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Rabat, marking the start of what could become a landmark campaign for them.
"This will not be our simplest match so far, yet we must secure victory tomorrow to harbour grand aspirations," Sadiki remarked to journalists on Monday, right before the Congolese squads practice in Sale, near Moroccos capital.
For Sadiki, this represents his initial experience in a prominent global competition, having played for Belgiums youth teams before aligning with DR Congo and earning his first senior cap in September 2024.
"I feel truly delighted to be part of this. I am simply focusing on savouring each instant, since the future remains uncertain," he added moments before a sprinkler drenched him.
"My form lately has been solid, but I must continue demonstrating my worth, as the true challenge commences now, and it will mirror that upon my return to the club, where the campaign will truly intensify.
"I have not accomplished anything particularly remarkable yet."
Despite this, Sadiki has shone brightly for a Sunderland outfit that has surpassed predictions after rising to the Premier League, holding eighth position in the standings at present.
He has sat out the last four fixtures, all resulting in stalemates, after departing following the 1 0 derby triumph over Newcastle United on December 14.
"The initial matches proved challenging for me, but I believe I settled in effectively, and I consistently strive to deliver my peak performance to support my teammates," he commented regarding his integration at the Stadium of Light after a July move from Belgian title holders Union Saint Gilloise for an estimated £15 million ($20.3m).
World Cup ambitions
"I received considerable assistance there too, so I am deeply appreciative of these developments."
Sadiki holds a critical view of his contributions thus far in Morocco, where DR Congo advanced to the knockout stage via victories over Benin and Botswana alongside a tie with Senegal.
"On a personal note, my AFCON experience has been varied up to this point, my debut was solid, the follow up was middling, and I saw limited action in the third encounter, but this is where the genuine contest starts, so it is from here that one can properly assess my involvement."
He chuckled at a journalists query implying he had shied away from the ball in matches, then expressed lofty goals for the tournaments continuation.
"Entering any event, your aim is always to claim victory," he noted, aware that DR Congos previous semifinal appearance at the 2024 AFCON stands as their deepest progress since clinching the crown as Zaire in 1974.
That also marks their most recent World Cup participation, though success in a March playoff would secure their spot in this years edition across North America.
"Should we triumph immediately, it would serve as a substantial achievement for the veterans who have committed so long," he stated.
"Confidence abounds within us, given our awareness of our potential."