Latest news with #JuniorLeopards
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
05-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Makanza brace fires DR Congo to 3-1 triumph over Central African Republic
Published: Monday, 05 May 2025 DR Congo secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Central African Republic (CAR) in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Two goals from Noah Makanza and a late header by Samuel Ntanda handed the Junior Leopards all three points at the New Suez Stadium, lifting them to four points after their opening 1-1 draw with Ghana. CAR had taken an early lead through Raphael Nzabakomada in the 10th minute, but DR Congo responded with resilience and firepower. After missing a first-half penalty, the Leopards equalised through Makanza just minutes later to go into the break at 1-1. DR Congo began the second half with intensity and were rewarded five minutes in, as Makanza added his second with a close-range finish to put his side ahead. Samuel Ntanda then sealed the victory in the 59th minute, nodding in a well-placed cross from Messy Manitu after a rapid counterattack. 'We must stay focused and concentrated,' coach Guy Bukasa had urged his team ahead of the match. 'The only way to overcome a strong team like Central African Republic is by staying compact, being aggressive in the right moments, and taking our chances.' His players clearly took that message to heart, delivering a composed and disciplined performance. While CAR pushed for a way back into the contest in the final moments—launching a series of shots blocked or saved by DR Congo's defence—they lacked the clinical edge to breach the Congolese rearguard. The result leaves CAR with just one point after two matches, having held Senegal to a draw in their opener. Their hopes of qualification now hang on their final group game. DR Congo, meanwhile, sit in a strong position ahead of their final group fixture against defending champions Senegal. The Congolese side are still unbeaten at the tournament and showed significant improvement in their attacking cohesion, recording more shots on target and dominating duels across the pitch. In the day's later game, Senegal face Ghana in what promises to be another pivotal encounter in Group C.
