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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
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.
CAF
03-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana held by spirited DR Congo in Group C opener
Published: Friday, 02 May 2025 Ghana were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in their opening Group C fixture at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 on Friday. Played under the floodlights at the New Suez Stadium, the four-time champions had to come from behind after Samuel Ntanda's header gave DR Congo a surprise 16th-minute lead. Ghana responded through Musibau Aziz eight minutes later but despite sustained pressure in the second half, they couldn't find a winner. It was a scrappy but competitive affair as both sides looked to assert early dominance in a group where holders Senegal had earlier been held 1-1 by Central African Republic. Ntanda gave the Congolese the lead after rising highest to nod home Messy Manitu's pinpoint cross, capping off a bright opening spell by the Central Africans. But Ghana quickly regrouped and equalised when Emmanuel Mensah whipped in a dangerous cross that was met by Aziz, whose low finish left the goalkeeper with no chance. Ghana began to take control after that, with Abdul Sulemana and Andrews Adjabeng linking well down the flanks. Aziz nearly had a second just before the break but his close-range header was brilliantly saved. The second half was a more tense, physical battle. Congo DR's substitutions helped them regain some control, while Ghana brought on key forward Jerry Afriyie in search of more attacking threat. The Black Satellites saw several shots fly just off target, including a late header from Afriyie. Ghana had more possession and created the better chances, but DR Congo remained organised and showed real commitment to hold firm under pressure. Both teams made late substitutions, but the scoreline remained unchanged despite Ghana's push for a late winner. The result leaves Group C wide open after matchday one, with all four teams tied on one point.
