DR Congo vs Uganda: Leopards given the edge in Johannesburg friendly

The Democratic Republic of the Congo will face Uganda in a friendly in Johannesburg on 2 October 2026, with Mahamad Sangare, presenter of sports debate programme La VAR on Burkina info TV, backing the Leopards to continue their positive run.

Sebastien Desabre’s side made an ideal start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Group E. They defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in Kinshasa before winning 2-1 away to Zimbabwe in Harare, taking six points from six and moving to the top of the group.

Uganda began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Rades on 24 September 2026. Rogers Mato scored in the 68th minute to cancel out Tunisia’s opener. The result was significant because Uganda are already qualified for the finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania, meaning the qualifying fixtures also provide competitive preparation for the Cranes.

The Leopards have won their past two matches and scored four goals across those victories, including three points on the road in Harare. They also scored three against Uzbekistan in their previous recent outing, underlining their ability to create and convert chances. However, the friendlies may allow Desabre to assess alternative players and tactical systems.

Uganda will take confidence from recovering against Tunisia after falling behind, although their defensive organisation and attacking efficiency will need to be tested again against the Leopards.

Desabre has selected a specific squad for two friendlies against Uganda on 2 and 5 October 2026 in South Africa, with the intention of introducing new players and increasing his options. Jackson Muleka, Afimico Pululu and Samuel Essende are among the attacking players expected to offer greater depth and threat in front of goal.

Defensively, the inclusion of younger players such as Willy Kambwala and Jorthy Mokio gives the coaching staff an opportunity to assess further combinations. The two matches should also help the Leopards improve their cohesion and prepare for future international fixtures.

Paul Put has called up 28 players for Uganda’s two games in Johannesburg, with the squad representing clubs in Africa, Europe and the United States. Hearts FC forward Rogers Mato will be one to watch after scoring against Tunisia, while Steven Mukwala of Al Nasr SC in Libya and Denis Omedi of Gor Mahia in Kenya provide further attacking options.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo lead the overall head-to-head record from 14 meetings before October 2026, with seven wins to Uganda’s five and two draws. Uganda won the most recent notable contest 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, while their last friendly victory against the Leopards came in January 2011. The listed statistics also credit RDC with four goals in recent official matches.

The main betting options are a Democratic Republic of the Congo win at 1.63, both teams to score at 2.26, more than 1.5 goals at 1.40 and an even total at 1.73.

Sangare’s selections include more than 1.5 Democratic Republic of the Congo goals at 2.08, fewer than 3.5 match goals at 1.19 and a 2-0 Leopards victory at 6.49.