The Democratic Republic of Congo displayed impressive resilience to earn a 1-1 draw against defending champions South Africa in the first leg of their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Wednesday evening at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Banyana Banyana opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through Kgalebane Mohlakoana, who finished coolly after being teed up by Bonolo Mokoma.
However, DR Congo responded deep into first-half stoppage time, with Ruth Kipoyi Monqinue finding the equaliser to send the home crowd into celebration.
South Africa had earlier come close to breaking the deadlock when Bongeka Gamede fired narrowly off target from long range in the 40th minute, while Mokoma also spurned a chance inside the box shortly after.
In the second half, South Africa pressed for a winner, with Lebo Ramalepe twice going close but failing to find the target. DR Congo also had a chance to take the lead through Naome Kaba Kaba, but she could not convert.
The tie remains finely poised ahead of the return leg at FNB Stadium next Tuesday.
South Africa will advance to WAFCON 2026 with either a win or a goalless draw, while DR Congo will be aiming to produce a major upset and book their spot in next year’s tournament in Morocco, which will also serve as a pathway to qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
