Gael Kakuta produced a standout display to be named Man of the Match in DR Congo’s convincing 3–0 victory over Botswana at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, a result that secured second place in Group D at AFCON 2025.
The experienced playmaker was involved in all three goals, driving Les Leopards into the Round of 16 with real authority.
Kakuta first lit up the game with a clever backheel that sliced open the Botswana defence and released Nathaniel Mbuku, who stretched to turn the ball home after 31 minutes. DR Congo’s aggressive start and high press kept Botswana pinned back, with Charles Pickel and Fiston Mayele also going close before the break.
Just before half-time, a VAR review spotted a handball by Thabo Leinanyane in the box, and Kakuta stepped up to bury the penalty, doubling the lead and underlining DR Congo’s control. On the hour, he struck again, cushioning Theo Bongonda’s cross and calmly picking his spot to complete his brace.
Botswana, already out after two defeats, struggled to respond and even saw a late DR Congo fourth ruled out by VAR, as Sébastien Desabre’s side comfortably managed the closing stages to seal a polished win and set up a last-16 clash with Algeria.
