DR Congo U20 coach Bukasa steps down after elimination, leaves legacy of progress
DR Congo's U-20 national team coach, Guy Bukasa, has stepped down following his side's elimination from the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
The Leopards suffered a narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat to South Africa in Ismailia, ending their hopes of a maiden semi-final appearance and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Bukasa confirmed that he would not be continuing in his role after two years in charge.
'There will be no future for me in this category. I'll stop here,' Bukasa said in a report on AfricaSoccer.com.
'I thank those who believed in us – the Federation, the government, and everyone who supported this journey.'
Bukasa's decision draws the curtain on a tenure that saw DR Congo make strides at youth level despite the disappointment in Egypt.
The 44-year-old coach, appointed to reinvigorate a stagnant youth system, oversaw a significant improvement in structure, tactical discipline, and player development.
Under his watch, the Leopards returned to the U-20 AFCON after a 12-year absence and advanced past the group stage in one of the tournament's most competitive pools.
A Sense of Fulfilment Despite Early Exit
Despite the painful elimination, Bukasa expressed pride in his squad, particularly the effort and maturity shown by the young players during the competition.
'These boys, these 24 soldiers, gave everything,' he said.
'Even those who couldn't make the final squad were part of the journey. They followed strict discipline and showed commitment on and off the pitch.'
The DR Congo U20s battled through Group C, holding Ghana 1-1, beating Central African Republic 3-1, and narrowly losing to Senegal 2-0.
Their performance showed promise, but the defeat to South Africa in extra time highlighted the thin margins that define knockout football.
A Void to Fill for Congolese Football
Bukasa's departure now leaves the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) with the challenge of identifying a new leader to steer the team through upcoming qualifiers for the African Games and the next U-20 AFCON.
His exit also reignites discussions about the long-term development of youth football in DR Congo, a country known for producing elite football talent but lacking consistency in youth competitions.
Bukasa acknowledged this structural gap: 'In our country, youth football isn't yet embedded in our sporting culture. We tried to change that. Unfortunately, it stops here for me.'
While the coach may be stepping away, many hope the foundations he laid will endure and that the Leopards' next generation can build on this progress.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
13 hours ago
- CAF
Sudan's bold attack and Senegal's calm defiance: A Group D clash with history at stake
When the lights turn on at Zanzibar's Amani Stadium, the final Group D clash of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will pit two very different philosophies against each other. Sudan, revived and resolute under Kwesi Appiah, come armed with a fearless attacking blueprint. The former Ghana coach insists that his side will not retreat against defending champions Senegal. 'I don't go into games to defend. The best way to defend is to attack. We're playing for goals. There are 11 players in each team; why should we stay back?' Appiah declared, reaffirming his aggressive approach. 'Whether it's at the CHAN, AFCON, or the World Cup qualifiers, my intention is to win.' Sudan sit top of the group after dismantling Nigeria 4-0, and only need to avoid defeat to secure a quarter-final berth. But Appiah's tone makes clear: mere survival is not enough. An unbeaten streak and a growing belief Under Appiah, Sudan have gone nearly a year without defeat, their last setback coming in November 2024 against Niger in the AFCON qualifiers — a loss that came after they had already secured qualification. That streak now fuels their belief. 'Senegal is a big team, and we can't underrate them,' Appiah admitted. 'It's not going to be a walkover. We'll need to make sure we fight till the end of the game.' Sudan's confidence is also rooted in variety. They drew with Congo before unleashing four unanswered goals against Nigeria, with scorers emerging from all areas of the pitch. Appiah knows that goals in open play are scarce at CHAN level, so Sudan are honing set pieces as their secret weapon. 'It is difficult to get goals in open play. Teams rely on set pieces. We're working on free kicks as a medium to score,' he explained. Breaking barriers, building bonds Appiah's tenure in Sudan has also been about cultural adaptation. A Ghanaian native, he embraces Sudanese traditions while leaning on his assistants to bridge the language gap. 'For effective communication, I have my assistants who speak Arabic. I issue instructions, and they go ahead to voice them,' he said. The formula has worked, keeping Sudan sharp and united. Captain Fares Abdullah, a central figure in this unity, believes the team will rise even higher against Senegal. 'My performances alongside that of my teammates are a result of the trust we have for each other and our quality. I feel we'll do better against Senegal,' he said. Senegal's Gueye and Diallo: eyes on legacy Across the pitch, Senegal's quiet but dangerous force waits. Forward Libasse Gueye, the man of the match against Nigeria, is not basking in individual glory. 'I won the player of the match award against Nigeria, but football is a collective game. I always put my team ahead. For me to be best, I need to play collectively with my colleagues,' said the 22-year-old. For Gueye, this is no ordinary fixture: 'It's an important game; we are conscious of that. It's one of the biggest matches of my career.' Head coach Souleymane Diallo sees the clash as 'a quarter-final before the quarter-final.' He acknowledged Sudan's stunning win over Nigeria had 'turned the group on its head' but reminded his squad that Senegal are champions for a reason. 'Senegal is a big team in Africa. We are defending champions, but my team is hungry; they want to write their own history.' History is past, hunger is present Senegal's path to the 2022 CHAN title, won on penalties against Algeria, remains a proud memory. But Diallo is adamant that yesterday's glory cannot carry today's burden. 'Being champions for us is history. History remains in the past, but we must capitalize on improving in the present and future.' The numbers show his side are ahead of schedule. 'In 2022, going into the last group game, the team had 3 points. In this edition, at the same level, we have 4 points. It means our performance is superior,' Diallo explained. As the decisive Group D evening unfolds, Congo lurks, ready to pounce if either of these heavyweights slips. A draw would send both through, but one win — or one upset — could change the landscape entirely.
CAF
13 hours ago
- CAF
Wounded Eagles vs Desperate Red Devils: A CHAN clash of survival and pride
When Congo face Nigeria in their final Group D clash at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 in Dar es Salaam, it will be more than just another fixture. For Congo's coach, Barthelemy Ngatsono, it's about survival. 'There is no alternative to victory,' he declared, setting the tone for a must-win game that could keep their quarter-final dreams alive. On the opposite bench, Nigeria's coach Eric Sekou Chelle is looking for redemption. His side are already eliminated after two painful defeats, yet he insists the Super Eagles still have unfinished business. 'We want to end the competition with a victory,' Chelle explained. 'We haven't scored yet, and this game is our chance to put things right.' Nigeria's Fight for Dignity For Chelle, the challenge is not only tactical but psychological. Nigeria have conceded five goals without reply in two matches, and he admitted mistakes have haunted his team. 'Of course, I take responsibility as coach. But now it's about lifting morale. We must return home with something positive,' he said. Losing key players before the tournament due to overseas transfers left Nigeria scrambling, and Chelle lamented the disruption: 'Eight of our players from the qualifiers left. That's 80% of the squad gone. We had to rebuild on the fly.' Yet the coach sees this final match as a chance to showcase resilience. 'Football is about learning lessons. We must show our positive side now,' he urged, stressing that small tactical changes would be made against Congo. Ngatsono's Rallying Cry for Congo For Congo, the stakes are higher. With one point from their opening two games, only a win keeps them alive. Ngatsono has instructed his players to block out the pressure and seize the moment. 'We respect Nigeria, but they are like a wounded lion,' he said. 'They will play with pride, so we must be sharper and stay focused.' The Congolese coach admitted his team's attacking struggles—just one goal scored in two games—but remains confident. 'Everything will be decided on the pitch. We have the spirit and determination to get the result we need.' Congo's forward, Gosim Duvan Elenga, echoed the sentiment: 'We enter this match with the same determination as before. We are ready.' Players Determined to Deliver Nigeria's Junior Nduka, one of the leaders in the squad, promised that the Super Eagles will not fold despite elimination. 'We need a win for the country. We'll give everything against Congo,' he said. 'The two defeats affected us, but we must bounce back.' An Open Contest to the Final Whistle This Group D decider promises intensity until the last second. Congo's fate will also depend on the outcome of Sudan vs Senegal, but they cannot afford to think beyond Nigeria. For the Super Eagles, this match is less about qualification and more about pride, closure, and showing that even in defeat, lessons can be learned. As the coaches agreed, all will be decided on the green grass of the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Whether it is Congo clinging to life or Nigeria fighting for respect, fans are guaranteed a dramatic finale.
CAF
a day ago
- CAF
Lamlioui: Morocco's win built on team spirit, not individuals
Published: Sunday, 17 August 2025 Oussama Lamlioui says the team spirit in the Morocco team is what has helped the Atlas Lions to progress to gthe knock-out stages of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. The midfielder emerged as Morocco's hero in Nairobi as his commanding midfield display earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award in the 3-1 victory over DR Congo at the Nyayo National Stadium. The result sealed Morocco's passage into the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, alongside hosts Kenya, and ended the Leopards' hopes of progressing. Difficult contest, collective response Speaking after receiving his award, Lamlioui admitted the intensity of the encounter tested Morocco's resolve but praised the team's unity and ambition. 'For sure it was a difficult game out there today, but we had one ambition as a team to go out, win and secure a place in the quarter finals. I am delighted to be named man of the match but this was a collective team effort. From the word go we played as a team and we got the result,' he said. The midfielder's composure under pressure was pivotal as Morocco overcame Congo's stubborn resistance and capitalised on second-half openings to secure victory. Eyes fixed on the next stage While the personal recognition brought pride, Lamlioui stressed that Morocco's journey is far from complete, with bigger challenges ahead in the knockout stages. 'We are thankful and now all the focus is on the quarter final. Our ambition is to go match by match and find our way to the final,' he added. With Morocco improving game by game, Lamlioui's words reflected the confidence growing within the Atlas Lions' camp. Their next test will be against the winner of Group C, with the midfielder determined to help his side take another step toward glory.
