In the flamboyant world of African basketball, the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo have charted a breathtaking course during the second window of the Afrobasket 2025 qualifiers. Their exceptional performance resulted in an uncontested victory in the competitive sphere, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of sport.
At the start of the last day of the qualifiers in Kinshasa, the Leopards faced the Bright Stars of South Sudan, a formidable team well established in the FIBA rankings in Africa. At the dawn of this confrontation, the stakes were high: a third victory in as many games to seal their invincibility. Led by a sparkling duo, Jordan Sakho and Christian Lutete were able to breathe irresistible momentum into their team, scoring 16 and 19 points respectively, thus demonstrating all their talent and determination.
Despite a difficult start to the match, where the Leopards conceded the advantage in the first quarter, their fighting spirit and self-sacrifice propelled them towards a spectacular comeback. The second quarter was the turning point of the match, marking the beginning of the Congolese rise, culminating in a significant lead until the end of the third quarter. Although a slight drop in form was felt in the last quarter, the Leopards brilliantly regained the upper hand in overtime, thus sealing their victory with brio.
This exceptional performance not only consolidated the Leopards’ position at the top of Group A, but also opened the doors to the last window of the qualifiers, scheduled for February 2025. Their flawless performance during this second window attests to their determination to raise the DRC’s colors high on the continental basketball scene.
Ultimately, the Leopards of the DRC have struck a major blow during this second window of the Afrobasket 2025 qualifiers, demonstrating once again their ability to compete with the best teams on the continent. Their undeniable success is the result of hard work, exceptional team cohesion and unwavering determination. The future looks bright for this talented Congolese team, and the world of African basketball can expect further feats from the formidable Leopards.