DR Congo held by Uganda as Desabre hands out international debuts

The Democratic Republic of the Congo were denied revenge by Uganda as the two sides drew 1-1 in Johannesburg, three days after the Leopards had lost the first meeting 2-0.

Sebastien Desabre made several changes for the second friendly, which was played at FNB Stadium in South Africa on Monday and marked the final match of the international break.

Steve Kapuadi was the only player retained from the starting line-up used in the first game. Chancel Mbemba, Joris Kayembe, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku and Junior Kadile all returned to the XI after either being rested or starting on the bench in Friday’s defeat.

The match also provided first caps for Kevin Pedro and Brandon Ndezi. Ezechiel Banzuzi made his second appearance for the national team, having also featured in the previous match, while Jackson Muleka returned to the side and made his first appearance in the blue, red and yellow colours in a year.

Dimitry Bertaud once again started in goal.

Uganda kept the Leopards under control during a goalless first half, but Desabre made an early series of changes in an attempt to alter the game. Inonga Baka came on at half-time, while new internationals Stephy Mavididi and Jorthy Mokio were also introduced.

Kapuadi, Kadile and Ndezi made way for the changes, and the substitutions helped Congo find a breakthrough shortly after the hour mark.

Mbuku pounced on a high interception near the Uganda penalty area before calmly placing the ball into the far corner past Kingdom Osayi. The Saint-Trond winger’s 64th-minute finish was his first goal for the national team since 30 December, during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

However, Congo were unable to hold on for victory. Uganda levelled in the 90th minute after the Leopards lost possession, with James Bogere celebrating in front of his opponents with the fimbu, the iconic dance associated with the Congolese side.

The draw brought Congo’s demanding run of four matches in 12 days to a close. Their results during the period included two victories in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifyinga 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea and a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwealongside the defeat and draw against Uganda.

Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but Congo could not complete the international break by settling the score after their first-match loss.