DR Congo eye history as they clash with South Africa in U20 AFCON quarter-final

South Africa take on the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, 12 May, in a high-stakes quarter-final showdown at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with a semi-final berth and a potential World Cup spot on the line.

The match will be played at Suez Stadium in Egypt, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 local time (19:00 in Kinshasa and 20:00 in France).

Viewers can catch the action live on CAF TV, while local broadcasters RTNC in DR Congo and SABC in South Africa are expected to provide additional coverage.

This encounter holds historic implications, particularly for the Congolese side.

DR Congo’s U20 team, the “Leopard Cubs”, are making their debut in the knockout stages of the continental tournament—an achievement in itself after a decade marked by group-stage disappointments.

Now, a single win separates them from not only a first-ever semi-final but also from a maiden qualification for the U20 World Cup, set to take place in Chile later this year.

To reach that milestone, Guy Bukasa’s men must overcome a far more seasoned South African outfit.

The Amajita, as they are known, boast a formidable U20 pedigree, with nine previous AFCON appearances, a runners-up finish in 1997, and third place in 2019.

Their global experience is even more pronounced, having featured in four U20 World Cup finals—a level the Congolese are yet to reach.

South Africa head into this tie in strong form, having topped Group A with seven points from four matches.

Their campaign has been spearheaded by dynamic attacking talent, including Thabang Mahlangu of SuperSport United, Cape Town City duo Jody Ah Shene and Shakeel April, and standout defenders like Lazola Maku of Stellenbosch.

Tilon Smith also impressed, earning Man of the Match honours against Zambia.

By contrast, DR Congo progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, earning their spot with a balanced record—one win, one draw, and one defeat—scoring and conceding four goals apiece.

Their resilience and hunger to make history could prove a valuable equaliser against their more experienced rivals.

Bukasa’s side will approach the clash with little to lose and everything to gain.

With youthful energy and the hopes of a nation behind them, the Leopards are determined to defy expectations and underline the importance of nurturing talent in a country where youth football has often been overlooked.

Monday’s match is more than just a quarter-final—it is a meeting of two footballing philosophies: the structured ambition of South Africa and the raw, determined pursuit of recognition by the Congolese.

A compelling battle awaits.

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Ce sera ???????? Afrique du Sud ???????????? RD Congo en 1/4 de finale.

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— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) May 9, 2025