DR Congo came from behind to record a 3-1 victory over Central African Republic in their second Group C match at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo on Monday.
Despite a bright start from Central Africa, it was DR Congo’s sharper finishing that proved decisive in the contest.
Raphael Nzabakomada-Yakoma gave the Central Africans an early lead in the 10th minute, but their advantage quickly unraveled.
DR Congo drew level three minutes before the break, with Noah Makanza capitalising on a missed penalty by Tonny Talasi at the other end to equalise.
That shift in momentum saw the two sides head into the interval level at 1-1.
The Congolese side returned from the break in dominant form. Makanza netted his second of the afternoon five minutes into the restart, completing the turnaround and putting D.R. Congo 2-1 ahead.
Samuel Ntanda added a third in the 59th minute to seal the result, scoring his second goal of the tournament.
The result puts DR Congo in control of Group C with four points from two matches, while Central African Republic remain bottom on one point.
Later on Monday evening, Ghana will face defending champions Senegal in the other Group C encounter.
