Jorthy Mokio makes unofficial DR Congo debut in defeat by Uganda

Jorthy Mokio made his unofficial debut for the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday as Uganda beat the Leopards 2-0 in Johannesburg.

The 18-year-old Ajax midfielder started on the substitutes’ bench before being introduced after half-time, giving him his first opportunity to play for his new national team.

Mokio has committed his international future to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but he will have to wait until 2028 before he can make an official appearance for the country.

The midfielder made his final decision at the start of the year, having previously played in an official international match for Belgium. Under FIFA’s regulations governing a change of sporting nationality, he is not eligible to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a competitive fixture before 2028.

Friday’s friendly provided a way for Mokio to begin adapting to his new international role without breaching those rules. He came on after the break, with the Leopards already trailing 2-0.

Uganda took the lead after only seven minutes when Bogere found the net. Kelvin Boateng then doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo were unable to respond, leaving Mokio to mark his first appearance for the Leopards with a defeat.