Clinical DR Congo tame Zambia in final AFCON dress rehearsal

DR Congo wrapped up their AFCON 2025 preparations with a composed 2-0 win over Zambia, a result that underlined their growing confidence before heading to Morocco.

Arthur Masuaku’s precise first-half strike settled any early nerves for the Leopards, before Rocky Bushiri Kiranga rose highest late on to guide in a second and cap a dominant performance from Sebastien Desabre’s side.

Zambia showed flashes of their usual aggression in transition through Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala, but too often lacked the final pass, with DR Congo’s back line, marshalled first by Chancel Mbemba and then his replacement Steve Kapuadi, staying compact and largely untroubled.

A number of second-half substitutions from both coaches turned the contest into a tactical workout, yet DR Congo maintained control and game management, exactly the kind of maturity they will need in a tricky AFCON group. For Moses Sichone’s Chipolopolo, the defeat serves as a timely reminder of the standards required ahead of facing some of the continent’s elite in Morocco.​

Both teams used this friendly as their final tune-up for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21. Zambia have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali and Comoros, setting up a daunting opener against Mali on Monday, December 22 at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

DR Congo, meanwhile, will line up in Group D with Senegal, Benin and Botswana, entering the tournament as one of the dark horses after an impressive qualifying campaign and a deep squad packed with great talent.