### U20 leopards: a new breath for Congolese football on the way to the CAN 2025
On March 15, 2025, a wind of renewal blew on Congolese football with the start of the leopard preparation course under 20 in Kinshasa. While the country is preparing to welcome the final phase of the African U20 African Cup, scheduled from April 26 to May 25 in Côte d’Ivoire, young players from different horizons come together to forge a collective identity that could make Congolese football shine on the continental scene. But beyond this sporting event, hides a dynamic that deserves to be deepened.
#### A generation of hopes
The workforce convened by coach Guy Bukasa has 28 players from local and European clubs. This promising mixture of talents turns out to be a showcase of the wealth of Congolese football. Indeed, the list has players playing in prestigious championships such as those in France, England or Italy, such as Ryan Tutu or Yohan Mboko, but also nuggets from national clubs like TP Mazembe or As Vita Club, symbols of an always prolific pool.
This diversity is not limited to the sole question of the geographical provenance of the players, but also testifies to a well-thought-out strategy to integrate both the local know-how and the experience acquired on international terrains. At a time when African football is starting to impose itself on the world scene, this mixture of cultures and experiences may well prove to be the key to success for leopards.
#### A judicious preparation
The friendly matches scheduled against the Teranga Lions, the title holders, represent a fire test before approaching the competition. Indeed, facing a team that won the last CAN U20 not only allows Congolese to assess their level of play, but also to accumulate a precious collective experience. In the current context of football, team cohesion is often decisive for the success of a national selection.
From a statistical point of view, it is interesting to note that the education of young players in high -performance training centers strongly influences the return on national selections. The presence of several players trained in renowned structures in Europe testifies to the importance of training in the evolution of Congolese football.
#### An opportunity for the future
Beyond immediate competition, these preparations are also an essential display case for players. A good course during the CAN could indeed draw the attention of international recruiters, allowing these young talents to access professional opportunities that they might not have considered before. This phenomenon is not new: players like Victor Osimhen have seen their careers take off thanks to their performance during similar events, thus illustrating the scope of continental competitions.
In addition, a successful campaign can galvanize the interest in football in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Young people in all regions will be able to see models to follow, because nothing is more motivating than a collective feat on the international scene. There is an opportunity to generate vocations, to rebuild hope and, potentially, to straighten Congolese football which, despite difficulties, retains an undeniable human capital.
#### Support for the local ecosystem
The challenges of football are not only found on the field. The support of the governing bodies, the former players and the public is just as essential. The craze around the CAN U20 is also built on the mobilization of supporters, which must be involved in this route. Clubs, media like Fatshimetrics, and sponsors have a major role to play in making this competition a party, a celebration of football.
In conclusion, by engaging on the CAN U20 2025 path with renewed ambitions, leopards under 20 years old embody more than a simple football team. They represent the hope and faith of a nation which aspires to a better future, both sporting and socially. Only the Union of Forces and the determination to take up the challenge will allow Congolese young people to show the whole world the immense potential of football in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With so many talents at their disposal, one thing is certain: the future of Congolese football is written here and now.