Latest news with #GuyBukasa
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo U20 coach Bukasa steps down after elimination, leaves legacy of progress
Published: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 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 '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.
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo return to U20 spotlight with South Africa clash
Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025 After a 12-year absence from the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Democratic Republic of Congo are back in the knockout stages—and will face South Africa on Monday in a high-stakes quarter-final in Ismailia. Guy Bukasa's young Leopards return to the continental stage has been a mix of promise and pressure. They opened their campaign with a creditable 1-1 draw against Ghana and followed it up with an emphatic 3-1 win over the Central African Republic. But any momentum they built was halted on the final day of the group phase with a 2-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, in which they conceded two penalties. Despite that setback, DR Congo qualified for the last eight as one of the best third-placed teams. Their spot was confirmed thanks to their superior goal difference, and now the focus turns to replicating the form that earned them their biggest win of the group stage. One of their standout players has been Samuel Ntanda, who scored in consecutive matches to give the team its cutting edge. Alongside Noah Makanza, who netted twice against CAR, DR Congo carry a threat going forward—but questions remain over their ability to contain stronger sides after a shaky defensive display against Senegal. Their opponents, South Africa, topped Group A but have yet to fully convince. After a heavy opening loss to Egypt (1-0), Amajita bounced back with a resounding 4-1 victory over Sierra Leone—arguably the best performance of their tournament. However, they were held 1-1 by Zambia in their final group game and qualified with just five points, the same as Egypt and Sierra Leone. Coach Vela Khumalo has rotated his squad effectively, but consistency remains an issue. South Africa have proven capable of scoring in bursts, with midfielder Thabang Mahlangu among the most influential players, but they've also shown lapses in concentration that DR Congo will aim to exploit. Monday's match will be a test of maturity for both sides. DR Congo, seeking a deep run in their first appearance since 2013, are eager to re-establish themselves on the continental stage. South Africa, by contrast, are chasing their fourth semi-final in six editions and are expected to impose their tempo on the match. With a place in the final four at stake, this quarter-final pits a resurgent DR Congo against a South African side still looking for consistency. The margins will be thin—and history will favour the side that rises to the occasion.
CAF
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Bukasa unfazed as DR Congo U20 prepare for crucial CAR clash at AFCON
Published: Monday, 05 May 2025 DR Congo U20 head coach Guy Bukasa says his side is under no pressure as they prepare to face the Central African Republic in a pivotal Group C match at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Both teams opened their campaigns with 1-1 draws—DR Congo against Ghana, and CAR against defending champions Senegal—setting up a finely balanced encounter in Suez, with the winner likely to take a significant step toward the knockout stages. Despite the high stakes, Bukasa is maintaining a calm and focused approach. 'From the first whistle, we must stay focused and concentrated,' he said. 'The only way to overcome a strong team like Central Africa Republic is by staying compact, being aggressive in the right moments, and taking our chances. We have prepared for that.' Bukasa has been credited with instilling a strong sense of discipline and identity within the Junior Leopards, who are making their return to the tournament for the first time since 2013. The team's performance against Ghana showcased both resilience and tactical structure, hallmarks of Bukasa's philosophy. 'This team is about enjoying the football and fighting hard,' the coach added. 'We are here to do just that.' DR Congo will look to emerging talents such as Samuel Stands, who plays for Italian side Sampdoria, to provide the attacking edge against a CAR side making its third straight appearance in the competition. Their consistent qualification since debuting in 2021 is a testament to their growing status in youth football on the continent. With both sides level on one point and only three group-stage matches to be played, Sunday's contest at the 30 June Stadium is vital. A victory for either team would move them to four points and put one foot in the quarter-finals, while a draw would set up a tense final group game. Bukasa, however, is adamant that his players will not be distracted by permutations or pressure. His message is simple: stay true to the plan, remain composed, and seize the opportunity.
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo U-20 Profile: Léopardeaux return with ambition and belief
The Democratic Republic of Congo will return to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in over a decade with renewed ambition and quiet confidence. After lifting the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 Championship, the Central African nation arrives in Egypt ready to shake up Group C and push for a historic breakthrough. Led by the experienced Guy Bukasa, the Léopardeaux will make only their third appearance at the U-20 AFCON finals, having previously competed in 1989 and 2013. Both of those campaigns ended in early exits at the group stage, but this time, the mood is different. There is optimism that a new generation of technically gifted, physically resilient, and tactically disciplined players can take DR Congo into uncharted territory. Their journey to Egypt was built on unity and conviction, capped by a 2-1 win over neighbours Congo in the UNIFFAC final. With key talents such as Kevine Makoko, Ferdinand 'Semedo' Mukandila, and Messy Mubundu Manitou leading the charge, DR Congo will look to blend their traditional physical prowess with a more modern and flexible approach on the pitch. Full profile below: The Democratic Republic of Congo make a long-awaited return to the competition for the first time since 2013. The Central African nation earned their place in Egypt after triumphing at the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 tournament, showcasing their blend of physicality, technical quality, and tactical discipline. Led by experienced coach Guy Bukasa, DR Congo's youth side is eager to change their historical record at the competition and prove they belong among Africa's elite. This marks only the third time DR Congo will appear in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON finals. HOW THEY QUALIFIED DR Congo booked their ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON, Egypt 2025 by winning the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 Championship, defeating neighbours Congo 2-1 in the final. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON This will be DR Congo's third appearance at the tournament, following their previous participations in 1989 and 2013. On both occasions, the Léopardeaux failed to advance past the group stage. They now return with high hopes of rewriting their history. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Kevine Makoko – A talented central midfielder from AS Vita Club, Makoko is known for his excellent passing range, vision, and control of tempo. Calm under pressure and technically sound, he is the engine of the team's midfield. Ferdinand 'Semedo' Mukandila – A pacey and hard-working right-back from Cercle Don Bosco. Mukandila offers both defensive stability and attacking thrust with his overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and intelligent movement. Messy Mubundu Manitou – A versatile midfielder plying his trade with Amiens in France's Ligue 2. Mubundu brings balance, discipline, and creativity, capable of playing both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box operator. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Guy Bukasa is a modern tactician who favours a balanced style of play built on a solid defensive base and dynamic attacking transitions. Known for his tactical discipline and man-management skills, Bukasa has instilled a collective mindset within the squad while encouraging individual creativity in the final third. Under his leadership, DR Congo has developed a compact and pragmatic playing identity, capable of adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of any opponent. Bukasa's ambition is clear—take DR Congo further than they've ever gone in this competition. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS DR Congo will compete in Group C alongside Senegal, a talented and balanced team, the holders will be among the favourites to win the group. Their talented squad and technical strength make them a major challenge. Ghana are a historical powerhouse in African youth football, Ghana is a technically gifted and physically imposing side. The Black Satellites will be one of the biggest tests in the group. Central African Republic are considered underdogs, but capable of springing surprises with their aggressive style and fighting spirit. DR Congo will aim to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in their history and pursue qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. With the right blend of structure and flair, the Léopardeaux could prove to be one of the tournament's surprise packages.
