Guy Bukasa has resigned as head coach of the DR Congo U20 national team after his side’s exit from the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
The young Leopards suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat in extra time against South Africa in Ismailia, a result that dashed their hopes of a first-ever semi-final appearance and qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Speaking after the match, Bukasa confirmed his departure, bringing an end to a two-year tenure marked by both progress and pain.
“I’ve been working on this project for two years. We gave everything to rebuild the youth team,” he said. “But when the objective isn’t achieved, it’s time to move on. I thank everyone who supported us — the Federation, the government, and those who believed in what we were trying to build.”
A Journey of Growth Ends in Disappointment
Despite their exit, DR Congo’s performances in Egypt reflected notable improvement under Bukasa.
Returning to the U-20 AFCON after more than a decade away, the Leopards advanced from a tough group that included Ghana, Senegal, and the Central African Republic.
They held Ghana to a draw, beat CAR convincingly, and pushed defending champions Senegal before falling short in their final test.
Bukasa leaves behind a team that showed tactical growth and unity — attributes not often associated with DR Congo’s youth teams in recent years.
“These players gave their all. They followed instructions, showed discipline, and sacrificed. I salute them,” the coach said. “Even those who didn’t make the final squad were part of this mission.”
A Call for Structural Change
Bukasa used his final press conference to call for greater investment in youth football development in DR Congo.
He stressed that while there is no shortage of talent, the country still lacks the infrastructure and support systems required to sustain competitive youth teams on the continental stage.
“We tried to create a culture of consistency and structure, but there’s still a long way to go,” he added. “Youth football needs more than just passion — it needs planning, support, and belief.”
With Bukasa’s departure, the Congolese Football Federation now faces the task of appointing a new head coach to continue the momentum and prepare the team for upcoming continental assignments, including the African Games and the next edition of the U20 AFCON.
His resignation marks the end of a transformative chapter — one that may not have ended in glory but laid a foundation that future generations can build upon.
