**The Leopards U17 Women: A Promise of Excellence in African Women’s Football**
On January 12, 2025, the Leopards U17 Women of the Democratic Republic of Congo emerged with force in their opening match of the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, marking the beginning of a new era for women’s football in Africa. On the pitch of the legendary Stade des Martyrs, they dominated the Mena of Niger with a convincing score of 2-0. This victory is not just a score, but an affirmation of the growing potential of women’s football in the DRC and on the African continent.
Going well beyond numbers and statistics, the match was a true tactical and emotional spectacle. The Leopards were able to deploy high pressing, reminiscent of the methods of the greatest teams, and this from the kick-off. This strategy demonstrated not only the team’s tactical rigor, but also its understanding of the game. Pushing an opposing team back on its own turf is a sign of maturity that many teams, even at senior level, sometimes struggle to achieve.
**The Impact of Local Talent: Olive Mangika and Marry Kabunga in Salient**
Olive Mangika, with her superb shot from outside the box in the 31st minute, opened the scoring and revived the football dreams of a country in full footballing turmoil. This type of shot, difficult even for the most seasoned footballers, has highlighted the emergence of local talent, which is starting to be talked about beyond the borders. Young Congolese players are not only excelling in the national championship, they are also shining on the international stage, testifying to the progress made in the training of female athletes in the DRC.
Marry Kabunga, meanwhile, put her name on the scoreboard with a magnificent free-kick. This play should not be underestimated; it represents the hard work and meticulousness of the coaches at the grassroots level who invest hours of training in the technical aspects of the game. Not only is this strike a testament to Kabunga’s individual skill, it also illustrates the importance of set pieces in modern football. The ability to shoot accurately and powerfully from free-kicks can often tip the balance of a match, and this setup optimised the final result for the Leopards.
**A Bright Future for Women’s Football in the DRC**
With this home win, the future of the Leopards Women looks bright. They are in the lead to advance to the second round of the qualifiers, where they will meet the Amazons of Benin. However, this taste of success should not blind us to the challenges ahead. The upcoming match on Ivorian soil will be a litmus test for these young talents. Indeed, moving beyond national borders requires not only technical skills, but also strong mental resilience and an ability to adapt to playing conditions and the environment.
It is also crucial to highlight that the success of the Leopards U17 women could have much wider implications for women’s football in Africa. The emergence of these young athletes could inspire a new generation of girls to pursue the sport, dream bigger and fight for their place on the pitch.
Statistically, Africa is experiencing exponential growth in support for women’s football. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the number of registered women’s teams has doubled in the last five years. The performances of teams like the Leopards are an echo of this dynamic. The DRC has a talented player base, and with the right training structures, they can compete with the best teams in the world.
**Conclusion: A Symbol of Hope**
The demonstration of the U17 Leopards at the Stade des Martyrs this Sunday, January 12 is just the beginning. This team not only represents hope for women’s football in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but also a symbol of what can be achieved with hard work, passion and unwavering determination. As they prepare to face the Amazons of Benin, it is essential to remember that beyond the results, it is the trend towards creating an environment for women’s sport that can, in the long term, transform the landscape of football on the continent and beyond.
Fatshimetrie.org welcomes this victory and will closely follow the next steps of this adventure, hoping that these young players will continue to shine, on the national and international scene, and to make the country shine with their talent.