Kakuta Braces as DR Congo Crushes Botswana to Secure Knockout Spot

The Democratic Republic of Congo officially secured their place in the knockout stages of AFCON 2025 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Playing at the Al-Barid Stadium in Rabat, the Leopards delivered a professional and dominant performance that confirmed their status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides. The win ensures that the DRC finishes the group stage unbeaten, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter in the Round of 16.

The match began with the DRC asserting control over the midfield, though Botswana’s defense held firm for the first half-hour. The deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute when Nathanael Mbuku fired a clinical low shot into the corner of the net. The goal was a result of individual brilliance from veteran playmaker Gaël Kakuta, who bypassed the Botswana defense with a clever backheel flick to set Mbuku through on goal.

The pressure continued to mount on the Zebras as the first half drew to a close. In the 41st minute, a VAR review determined that Botswana’s Thabo Leinanyane had handled the ball inside the box. Gaël Kakuta stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the penalty, giving the Leopards a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into the break.

The DRC maintained their intensity in the second half, effectively ending any hopes of a Botswana comeback in the 60th minute. Following a rapid counter-attack, Theo Bongonda provided a pinpoint cut-back across the face of the goal, allowing Kakuta to tap in his second goal of the night.

This final strike capped off a Man of the Match performance for the veteran midfielder and allowed the Congolese coaching staff to rotate the squad for the final thirty minutes of play.

Despite the convincing victory, the DRC finished second in Group D. While they ended the group stage level on seven points with Senegal, the Lions of Teranga took the top spot based on a superior goal difference of plus-five compared to the DRC’s plus-four. Botswana exits the tournament in last place, having failed to secure a point or a goal in their three matches.

The Leopards now turn their attention to a heavyweight Round of 16 clash against Algeria.

This North versus Central battle is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026, back in Rabat. After finishing the group stage with such a clinical display of finishing, the DRC enters the knockout phase with significant momentum and the belief that they can push for their third continental title.