Half-hearted start for the DRC football selection during the 9th Games of La Francophonie. Indeed, in their first match in Group A, the Leopards U20 lost to Benin 2-0. This defeat is a blow for the local team which was keen to start the competition well in front of its public.
The match took place on the completely renovated lawn of the Stade Raphaël in Kinshasa. Unfortunately, the young Congolese were not up to the event and were taken aback by Benin Cheetahs in great shape. After a lackluster first half, the visitors opened the scoring in the 57th minute and drove home the point in the final quarter of an hour.
This defeat has important consequences for the DRC which now finds itself obliged to react during its next match against Mali, which promises to be crucial for the rest of the competition. The young Leopards will have to pull themselves together and show a better face to hope to qualify for the final stages.
Despite this initial disappointment, the Games of La Francophonie continue at other competition sites across the city of Kinshasa. The various sports and cultural disciplines continue to enliven the Congolese capital, offering a spectacle rich in diversity and talent.
While waiting for the official opening ceremony scheduled for this Friday evening at the Stade des Martyrs, the French-speaking competitors are giving their best to win medals and make their country shine. The Games of La Francophonie are an opportunity to celebrate diversity and excellence through sport, culture and art, thus creating moments of sharing and encounters between the different French-speaking countries.
The DRC still has every chance to shine during these Games of La Francophonie. The events continue in a friendly and competitive atmosphere, offering athletes the opportunity to surpass themselves and proudly represent their country. See you for the rest of the competition and hope that the DRC will be able to bounce back after this first setback