DR Congo will take on Mali on Thursday, 5 June 2025, in a high-profile friendly at Stade de la Source in Orléans, France, as both nations use the fixture to prepare for their respective international objectives.
With the 2024–2025 season drawing to a close, this match offers Sébastien Desabre’s Congolese side a critical opportunity to refine tactics ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The French coach specifically selected Mali as an opponent to simulate the playing style of Senegal, one of DR Congo’s upcoming qualification rivals.
“I wanted a nation with a similar playing system to Senegal… which is the case with Mali,” Desabre explained, highlighting the strategic nature of the fixture.
For the Leopards, the game is not merely about the result.
It is a platform to trial new tactical approaches, assess young talent, and consolidate team chemistry.
The Congolese coaching staff is focused on building a competitive squad capable of rising to the demands of high-level international football.
A balanced squad featuring experienced leaders and emerging prospects is set to represent DR Congo.
Goalkeeper D. Berteaud is expected to start between the posts, supported by a defensive line anchored by seasoned campaigners Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku.
The midfield is likely to see Samuel Moutoussamy paired with Sadiki, tasked with maintaining structure and rhythm.
In attack, Fiston Mayele, Yoane Wissa, and Théo Bongonda are expected to shoulder the responsibility of breaching Mali’s back line.
Despite missing several key players, Mali arrives with intent.
Known for their pace, technical precision, and tactical discipline, the Eagles remain one of the continent’s most formidable teams.
With a squad that includes players active in top European leagues, the West African side poses a serious test for the Congolese.
Mali, like DR Congo, is also in the process of shaping its identity ahead of the next Africa Cup of Nations.
The match in Orléans offers head coach Eric Chelle a chance to evaluate his options and fine-tune combinations.
Though branded as a friendly, Thursday’s encounter carries significance far beyond the scoreline.
For both sides, it is a dress rehearsal for the challenges that lie ahead.
Whether assessing defensive stability, testing new formations, or identifying potential stars, this fixture is a crucial step in their preparation for competitive success.
