DR Congo remain stuck in the draw column in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after being held 2-2 by Gambia, following their previous stalemate at home against Gabon. The Leopards’ campaign continues to show promise in attack but has been undermined by late concessions, leaving them unable to secure a victory.
The match began with DR Congo taking the lead through Cédric Bakambu, catching the Gambian side off guard. Gambia, however, responded quickly under coach Tom Saintfiet, with Pa Modou Jagne leveling the score before halftime. The first half displayed a back-and-forth contest, with both teams creating chances but unable to find a decisive advantage.
In the second half, DR Congo regained the lead through Jackson Muleka, giving the Leopards hope of claiming all three points and bouncing back from their earlier draw. Yet just as victory seemed within their grasp, Gambia struck again in stoppage time, with Baboucarr Jobe scoring a dramatic equalizer. The late goal prevented DR Congo from moving higher in the group standings and emphasized the team’s ongoing defensive vulnerabilities in crucial moments.
Following this match, Gabon leads the group with 4 points, tied with Gambia, while DR Congo remains in third place with 2 points. Angola sits at the bottom of the table with no points after a difficult start to their qualifying campaign. DR Congo’s position highlights the competitive nature of the group and the fine margins between success and disappointment.
Despite the draws, DR Congo continue to show offensive quality, particularly through players like Bakambu and Muleka, who have been central to the team’s attacking threat. However, the team must address its defensive lapses and improve concentration in stoppage time if it hopes to convert performances into wins. The Leopards will need to build on their attacking strengths while tightening their defensive organization as the qualifiers progress.
With the group tightly contested, every point counts, and DR Congo will aim to capitalize on future fixtures to secure a stronger position and remain in contention for a spot in the 2021 AFCON tournament. The team’s resilience and ability to create scoring opportunities provide a platform, but finishing matches strongly will be crucial in turning draws into victories.
