Congo U20 reach UNIFFAC semi-finals after crucial draw against DR Congo

Congo’s Under-20 Red Devils have secured a place in the semi-finals of the UNIFFAC tournament after drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive.

The Red Devils recovered from a first-half deficit to earn the point they needed in their final Group B fixture on Sunday, 18 October, at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The result saw Congo finish top of the group on two points, ahead of Gabon and DR Congo, with all three teams level on points and goal difference.

Congo’s superior goal tally proved decisive in securing their place in the last four.

They will face the Central African Republic in the semi-finals, while Cameroon are set to meet either Gabon or DR Congo, depending on the final determination of Group B’s standings.

The tournament serves as a qualifying competition for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place in Ghana.

Reaching the final would guarantee Congo a place at the continental competition.

DR Congo strike first in Group B encounter

Congo made a difficult start to the decisive match, allowing their neighbours to take the lead during the first half.

The opening goal came after Ilinga advanced down the right flank and delivered a one-touch pass into the penalty area for Paul Massey Kabundi, who finished from close range to put the Leopards ahead.

The goal gave DR Congo an early advantage, and they controlled much of the remainder of the first half as they looked to increase their lead.

However, despite enjoying periods of dominance, the Leopards were unable to find a second goal before the interval.

That failure left Congo within reach of a result that would keep their qualification hopes on track.

The Red Devils needed a stronger response after the break, with the stakes clear as the group-stage campaign reached its conclusion.

Substitute Bouesso rescues Congo

Congo returned for the second half with greater intensity and a more attacking approach, putting their opponents under increased pressure.

The improved performance eventually produced the equaliser, with substitute Emmanuel Bouesso finding the net with a low effort from inside the penalty area.

His goal brought the score to 1-1 and secured the point Congo needed to advance to the semi-finals.

The equaliser rewarded the team’s persistence after a difficult opening period and ensured they would not have to rely on results elsewhere to claim a place in the last four.

Congolese captain Brunel Jancy Bintsouka praised his teammates for refusing to give up after falling behind.

“We are very happy. Despite a first half that wasn’t fantastic as we expected, the warriors never give up. I told my guys to keep their heads up. I knew we would do it and here we are, equalizing despite other missed opportunities. But nothing is decided yet, we continue in the semi-finals,” said Congolese captain Brunel Jancy Bintsouka.

The captain’s comments reflected the team’s determination to recover from their slow start, while also acknowledging that their campaign remains unfinished.

Congo finish top despite having only two points

The Republic of Congo ended the group stage with two points after recording consecutive 1-1 draws against Gabon and DR Congo.

Gabon and the Leopards also finished on two points, with all three teams recording the same goal difference.

However, Congo scored two goals across their group matches, compared with one each for their rivals, giving the Red Devils the advantage in the standings provided in the report.

The final qualification position from Group B remains subject to official confirmation of the applicable tiebreaking criteria.

Gabon and DR Congo are competing for the remaining semi-final place after their meeting ended in a goalless draw.

In Group A, hosts Cameroon finished first with six points after victories over Chad and the Central African Republic.

Cameroon defeated Chad 3-0 before recording a 2-0 win against the Central Africans.

The Central African Republic finished ahead of Chad despite both teams collecting one point, with goal difference separating them.

Semi-final victory could secure AFCON qualification

Congo’s next challenge will be against the Central African Republic in the semi-finals, as the Red Devils seek to turn their group-stage progress into a place at the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Cameroon will face either Gabon or DR Congo once the final Group B standings have been confirmed.

The two teams that reach the tournament final will secure qualification for the continental competition in Ghana, making the semi-finals a decisive stage for all four remaining contenders.

Congo have taken an important step by finishing top of their group, but their work is not yet complete.

They must win their semi-final to guarantee a place at the 2027 tournament.

After recovering from a first-half setback against DR Congo, the Red Devils will head into the knockout stage encouraged by their resilience, knowing that another positive performance could bring them closer to their continental objective.