RDC beaten by Uganda as six new players feature in AFCON 2027 hosts’ friendly win

The Democratic Republic of the Congo were beaten 2-0 by Uganda in the first match of their friendly double-header at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Friday.

The Leopards made extensive changes after victories over Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches on 24 and 28 September respectively, but were outplayed by the Cranes in South Africa.

None of the players who started the 2-1 win in Harare featured in the starting line-up against Uganda. About 11 established players and squad regulars had been released, allowing Willy Kambwala, Jordy Makengo, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Stephy Mavididi and Afimico Pululu to make their first starts for the national team.

The changes also included the international return of Dimitry Bertaud, who resumed goalkeeping duties after waiting a year for another appearance. Six new players were involved across the match, with Jorthy Mokio later being introduced from the bench.

Sebastien Desabre set his side up in a flat 4-4-2 formation, but the Leopards were behind after only seven minutes. Bertaud’s poor attempted clearance presented Uganda with the opportunity to open the scoring.

Desabre made three changes at half-time, bringing on Jorthy Mokio, Junior Kadile and Nathanael Mbuku. Kadile earned his third cap, having impressed during his first two appearances in the current international window.

The substitutions did not prevent Uganda from extending their lead four minutes after the restart. The Cranes took advantage of a lack of concentration in the Congolese defence to make it 2-0 in the 49th minute.

Noah Sadiki replaced Aaron Tshibola in the 67th minute, but his introduction did not alter the outcome as Uganda completed a comfortable victory.

The two teams will meet again on 5 October, again at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, in the second and final game of the international window.