### The defeat of junior leopards: an elimination which calls for reflection
On May 13, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced a disillusionment on the field of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) under 20. After a courageous but ultimately unsuccessful performance against South Africa in the quarter-final, junior leopards saw their hopes of participation in the category World Cup vanish. A situation that raises questions about the development of youth football in the DRC and the support enjoyed by these athletes.
#### A dominated match, an unexpected defeat
The match was marked by a Congolese domination in terms of possession and offensive creativity, with 27 shots, but without concretization on the table of scores. A paradox that highlights a recurring problem within sports teams: the difficulty in transforming pressure into positive results. The statistics of the match indicate that the DRC had the opportunity to take the lead several times, but the lack of finish has penalized the team. This situation invites you to reflect on the importance of training young talents, not only on the technical level but also on the mental level.
### The resignation of Guy Bukasa: an act of responsibility
In response to this elimination, coach Guy Bukasa announced his resignation during a press conference, a decision which testifies to a certain form of responsibility. Bukasa worked for two years at the head of this team, and his decision to withdraw following a failure underlines the importance of culture of responsibility in sport. However, this raises a fundamental question: how can only one resignation represent all the challenges encountered in the country’s sporting development?
It is crucial to highlight the efforts that Bukasa and his team have made to reach this competition stadium, a first in the history of Congolese junior football. This accomplishment, even if it is tarnished by this elimination, deserves to be recognized and analyzed in a broader context. We must not lose sight of the fact that this quarter-final qualification represents progress in relation to past failures, like that of 2013, where the DRC had not won a single match.
### Institutional support and training of young talents
The success of junior football strongly depends on an ecosystem that values and supports training, the education of young athletes and sports infrastructure. If the Congolese government and federation have supported, as Bukasa noted in its thanks, there is still a lot to do. How can we structure this support so that it is both sustainable and effective? International partnerships, continuous training of coaches, as well as the development of training centers can play an essential role in the elevation of the level of play.
In addition, it would be relevant to explore the impact of psychological support on young athletes. The pressure to win can have a paralyzing effect, and a good psychological supervision could help players better manage their emotions during major competitions.
###Ove a prospect of the future
The elimination of Junior Leopards of the CAN 2025 must be perceived not only as a disappointment, but also as a learning opportunity. Exchanges around this campaign, both in terms of players and managers, could open reflections on the necessary adjustment of expectations in relation to the realities of sports development in the DRC.
To move forward, it is fundamental that the DRC continues to feed its youth base and promote an environment conducive to their sporting development. This could cause results not only at the national level, but also on the long -term international scene. Beyond immediate victories, the emphasis must be placed on training, infrastructure and psychological support to ensure a promising future for Congolese football.
In conclusion, the defeat of junior leopards, while being a difficult moment to live, must serve as a springboard to question the dynamics in place and encourage initiatives that promote a positive development in sport in the country. It is by learning and innovating that the DRC will one day be able to see its colors shine on the world scene.