The Democratic Republic of Congo’s U20 side endured a difficult start to their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, falling 2-0 to reigning champions Senegal in their first friendly match at the Lat-Dior Stadium in Thiès, Senegal.
A fast and aggressive Senegalese attack proved too much for the Leopards, who found themselves trailing within the first five minutes.
Goalkeeper Ryan Tutu failed to deal with a rebound, allowing Ibrahim Dieng to capitalize and give the hosts an early lead.
Just ten minutes later, Abdourahmane Dia doubled Senegal’s advantage, finishing off a swift counterattack executed with clinical precision.
Despite efforts by coach Guy Bukasa to shore up the team’s defensive structure and establish cohesion among his players, the Leopards struggled to match their opponents’ intensity.
The starting lineup, featuring Ryan Tutu, Ferdinand Mukandila, Jules Ahuka, Frédéric Efuele, Dieu-Merci Lukombe, Messy Manitou, Ibrahim Matobo, Axel Kayombo, and Samuel Ntanda, was unable to contain the relentless Senegalese offense.
Bukasa, determined to refine his team’s chemistry ahead of the tournament, emphasized the importance of these preparatory matches.
With the Leopards set to compete in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tanzania, and another yet-to-be-confirmed team from the Central Zone (UNIFFAC), the Congolese squad faces a crucial period of fine-tuning before the competition kicks off on April 26.
This training camp follows an intensive preparation period in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from November 12 to 19, 2024.
During their stay, the Leopards tested their tactical and physical capabilities against the Saudi U20 team, resulting in a 3-1 defeat and a 1-1 draw.
Those matches provided valuable insights into the areas needing improvement, and Bukasa hopes his side can use this latest setback as motivation to refine their approach.
The Leopards will have a chance to redeem themselves soon, with a second friendly against Senegal scheduled for Sunday.
The match will be a crucial opportunity for Bukasa’s men to address their weaknesses and showcase the progress they have made as they edge closer to their AFCON U20 campaign.
