In the ruthless world of African football, twists and turns follow one another, emotions run wild and surprises never cease to emerge. It was in this fiery atmosphere that the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo crossed swords with the Walya of Ethiopia on the last day of the CAN 2025 qualifiers. And the least we can say is that the scenario of this meeting kept fans and football observers on the edge of their seats.
At the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, the match started off with a bang, with palpable intensity from the first minutes. The Ethiopians, determined and combative, opened the scoring in the 37th minute thanks to Bereket Desta Dana, plunging the Congolese fans into uncertainty. It was on this score that the first half ended, with the Leopards looking to turn the tide.
The return from the locker room saw the Congolese redouble their efforts, pushing forward to get back into the game. Relief filled the stadium in the 93rd minute, when Dylan Batunbisika managed to equalize with a superb header. But the joy was short-lived, as in the 96th minute, Mohammed Nasir gave victory to the Walya of Ethiopia.
Despite this cruel defeat, the DRC finished top of Group H of the CAN 2025 qualifiers, with 12 points. A leading position that offers a glimmer of hope for the Congolese national team, but which also highlights the need to improve certain aspects of the game. This defeat should serve as a lesson and a source of motivation for the Leopards’ technical staff, in order to refine the team’s framework and prepare as best as possible for the final phase of the CAN in Morocco.
In a context where every detail counts, where every victory and defeat count double, the competition will be fierce during the CAN 2025. The Leopards of the DRC will have to question themselves, work tirelessly and show on the field the extent of their talent and determination. Because in the world of football, nothing is given, everything is won on the field, in sweat and constant effort. Congolese supporters remain faithful to their colors, ready to encourage their heroes and vibrate to the rhythm of the exploits to come.