The IX Games of La Francophonie are finally launched in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday evening at the Stade des Martyrs, the competitions have already started since Thursday at various sites in the city. The first meetings were marked by the football match between the DRC and the U20 team from Benin.
Unfortunately, the Leopards U20, representing the DRC, failed to hold their rank in this first match of group A. Faced with Beninese Cheetahs in great shape, the Congolese players conceded a defeat with a score of 2- 0. Despite a lackluster first half, the visitors managed to find the fault in the 57th minute and drove home the point late in the game.
This defeat is a blow for the DRC which loses important points from the start of the competition. She will have to pull herself together quickly for her next match, which will take place on Sunday July 30 against Mali.
It should be noted that these games of La Francophonie are an opportunity for young sports talents from different countries of the Francophonie to showcase themselves and proudly represent their nation. Apart from football, the games also include competitions in other disciplines such as athletics, swimming, basketball, wrestling, and many more.
The renovation of Stade Raphaël, which hosted the match between the DRC and Benin, is a strong symbol of the country’s investment in the development of sports infrastructure. The organizers hope that these games of La Francophonie will be a real showcase for the DRC, making it possible to show the whole world the dynamism and talent of its youth.
In conclusion, despite this defeat, the Games of La Francophonie offer the DRC a unique opportunity to showcase its sporting talents and promote the country internationally. It remains to be seen whether the Leopards U20 will manage to bounce back and offer good performances in the next matches