DR Congo Ease Past Botswana But Fall Short of Top Spot

The Democratic Republic of Congo booked their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over Botswana in Rabat. The result confirmed the Léopards’ progress to the last 16 for a fifth consecutive tournament, though they finished second in Group D behind Senegal on goal difference.

Dominant First Half

Already eliminated and without a goal in the competition, Botswana struggled to cope with DR Congo’s attacking intensity. Meschak Elia spurned an early chance from close range, while Charles Pickel went close with a curling effort. The breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark when Gaël Kakuta’s clever backheel unlocked the defence, allowing Nathanaël Mbuku to fire in at the near post.

Five minutes before half-time, DR Congo doubled their lead. A VAR review penalised Thabo Leinanyane for handball, and Kakuta converted the spot-kick with a composed finish into the top corner.

Kakuta at the Double

With goal difference crucial to the group standings, DR Congo pressed forward after the interval. Kakuta struck again on the hour mark, finishing from close range after Théo Bongonda’s cutback. Fiston Mayele thought he had added a fourth, but VAR ruled the effort out for handball.

Group Outcome

The victory ensured DR Congo’s progression, but Senegal’s superior goal difference kept them top of Group D. Botswana, making only their second AFCON finals appearance, exited the competition without scoring a goal.