The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a 1-0 victory over Mali on Thursday in an international friendly, with Samuel Essende netting the decisive goal midway through the first half.
The match, played as part of the FIFA international window, saw two well-matched African sides face off in a tightly contested encounter.
It was the Leopards who emerged triumphant, ending Mali’s unbeaten run under new head coach Tom Saintfiet.
Essende, making the most of his opportunity with the national team, found the back of the net in the 27th minute. The goal came as a result of cohesive team play, with the striker slotting home to give DR Congo a lead they would successfully protect for the remainder of the match.
His contribution not only gave his team the win but also strengthened his case for regular inclusion in the national set-up.
The result is a significant morale boost for DR Congo, who delivered a solid all-around performance. Particularly impressive was their defensive discipline, as they limited Mali’s attacking options and managed the match effectively after taking the lead.
For coach Sébastien Desabre, the win serves as a timely confidence builder ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Congolese side appeared organised and committed, with their backline displaying the kind of structure and resilience that Desabre has been working to instil in recent months.
Mali, meanwhile, experienced their first defeat since Tom Saintfiet took over as head coach. The Belgian tactician had overseen an unbeaten run since his appointment, but Thursday’s result marked the end of that streak.
Despite the setback, there were positives for the Eagles, who showed flashes of their potential but were ultimately undone by a lack of finishing and a moment of defensive vulnerability.
Saintfiet is still in the early stages of building his vision for Mali, and this narrow defeat will likely be used as a learning moment for his developing squad.
While disappointed, the coach can take encouragement from his team’s competitive spirit and organisation, which showed signs of progress despite the loss.
The match itself was characterised by high intensity, with both sides pressing and defending with determination. DR Congo’s ability to maintain their lead under pressure highlighted their growing maturity as a unit, especially in managing tight scorelines.
This win gives DR Congo a much-needed injection of momentum as they look to carry their form into competitive fixtures. With World Cup qualification on the horizon, victories like this one help to cement belief within the squad and offer a foundation on which Desabre can continue to build.
As for Mali, the focus will now turn to regrouping and refining their approach ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Saintfiet’s project remains in its infancy, and the match offered further clarity on the adjustments needed to ensure long-term success.
In the end, it was a symbolic yet meaningful victory for the Leopards, who will take both pride and purpose from a performance that combined discipline, teamwork, and a touch of attacking flair.
