**DRC Women Leopards Suffer Bitter Defeat Against Cameroon Indomitable Lionesses**
Disappointment was palpable at the Mutombo Dikembe Gymnasium of the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa as the Women Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were left behind by the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in their second match of Group B of the AFCON. Despite the fervent support of the public won over to their cause, the Congolese women fell to their Cameroonian opponents by a score of 23 to 25.
This defeat, all the more frustrating, reveals a lack of realism on the part of the Women Leopards, particularly in the effectiveness of shots from 7 meters. The team captain, Christianne Mwasesa, could only convert one shot from many opportunities offered, thus letting precious points slip away. Despite the remarkable performances of goalkeeper Errin Cecilia and point guard Melissa Agathe, the Congolese women lost their advantage as the match progressed, unable to break through the solid and effective defense of the Indomitable Lionesses.
Coach Clément Machy will have to review his team’s management of key moments and offensive situations in order to rectify the situation for the next matches. He highlighted the lack of lucidity and the many missed opportunities against a formidable Cameroonian team. “We missed the details,” he regretted in a press conference.
This defeat is painfully reminiscent of the one in 2022 against Cameroon, thus highlighting the difficulty of the Leopards Women to dominate their opponents. To hope for qualification, the Congolese women must imperatively win their next matches, notably against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and the Syli National of Guinea.
In conclusion, the road to qualification remains strewn with pitfalls for the DRC Women’s Leopards. The next meetings will be crucial for the team, which will have to be more determined and efficient if it hopes to shine on the continental scene.