DR Congo Defeat Botswana but Settle for Second Place in Afcon Group D

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a comfortable victory over already eliminated Botswana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the result was not enough to secure top spot in Group D, leaving the Leopards to finish second behind Senegal.

The match was played in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, where DR Congo entered the final round of group fixtures already assured of a place in the last 16. However, they began the day trailing group leaders Senegal on goal difference and knew they would need both a convincing win and a favour from elsewhere to finish first.

Despite making several changes to their starting line up, DR Congo controlled the game from the early stages. Their dominance was rewarded just after the half hour mark when Nathanael Mukau slid in to convert a clever backheel from Gaël Kakuta, giving the Central Africans a deserved lead.

Ten minutes later, Kakuta was again at the centre of the action, this time from the penalty spot. The spot kick was awarded after Meschack Elia’s cross struck the arm of Botswana defender Thabo Leinanyane inside the box. Following a review by video assistant referee, match official Ahmad Heeralall pointed to the spot, allowing Kakuta to double the advantage with a calmly taken penalty.

DR Congo continued to dictate play after the break and extended their lead on the hour mark. Kakuta, who was not included in the squad initially and only called up after an injury to Mario Stroeykens, struck again by finishing a low cut back from substitute Theo Bongonda. The goal underlined Kakuta’s influence and experience at tournament level.

The Leopards thought they had added a fourth midway through the second half when Fiston Mayele found the net, but the goal was ruled out for handball. Replays suggested the ball may have struck his upper arm near the sleeve, a decision that frustrated DR Congo’s bench and players alike.

As the match wore on, DR Congo created several more clear chances. Bongonda was particularly unlucky, failing to convert three late opportunities that could have significantly boosted his side’s goal difference. Those missed chances ultimately proved costly in the context of the group standings.

Elsewhere, Senegal delivered the result DR Congo feared, beating Benin 3 0 to finish top of Group D. The outcome meant Senegal ended the group phase two goals ahead of the Leopards, securing first place and a more favourable draw in the knockout stage.

DR Congo will now remain in Rabat ahead of a challenging last 16 encounter against fellow two time champions Algeria. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 January, and is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout round.

While finishing second was not the ideal outcome, DR Congo will take confidence from a strong performance and a convincing win. Their attacking fluidity and depth were evident, but sharper finishing will be required if they are to progress further in the tournament.