The D.R. Congo put on a strong performance as they defeated Botswana 3–0 in their final Group D match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The match was played in Rabat, and even though D.R. Congo played very well, they finished second in the group, not first. This was because Senegal had a better goal difference.
Still, the win was very important. It helped D.R. Congo reach the knockout stages for the fifth AFCON tournament in a row, which shows how consistent and strong the team has been over many years.
Botswana, on the other hand, had already been eliminated before the match started. They had not scored a single goal in the tournament, and this game sadly followed the same pattern.
A One-Sided First Half
From the very beginning of the match, D.R. Congo were clearly the better team. They controlled the ball, attacked often, and kept Botswana under pressure. Botswana tried to defend, but wave after wave of attacks made it very difficult for them to relax or move forward.
One of the first big chances fell to Meschak Elia, who received the ball close to the goal. He tried to score from inside the six-yard box, which is usually a great place to score from. However, he did not hit the ball cleanly, and Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko reacted quickly to make a sharp save.
A few minutes later, Charles Pickel tried his luck with a curling shot from outside the penalty area. The ball bent nicely toward the goal but went just wide of the post. At this point, it felt like a goal was coming soon.
The First Goal Breaks the Door Open
The breakthrough finally arrived just after 30 minutes. Gael Kakuta showed great skill with a clever backheel pass that surprised the defenders. This pass opened space for Nathanael Mbuku, who took advantage and fired the ball into the near post.
This goal made the score 1–0, and it lifted D.R. Congo’s confidence even more. For fans watching the match, it also meant that the game was already moving toward Over 2.5 Goals, a popular soccer betting and analysis term that means at least three goals are scored in a match.
Penalty Doubles the Lead
D.R. Congo continued attacking and earned another big opportunity just before halftime. A video review (VAR) showed that Thabo Leinanyane had handled the ball inside the penalty area. This resulted in a penalty kick.
After a short wait, Kakuta stepped up to take the kick. He stayed calm and placed the ball perfectly into the top corner of the net, making the score 2–0. This goal all but confirmed the Over 2.5 Goals outcome, since only one more goal would be needed.
At halftime, D.R. Congo were fully in control, while Botswana looked tired and frustrated.
Second Half Pressure Continues
During halftime, D.R. Congo knew that goal difference was very important. Since Senegal were also winning their match, D.R. Congo needed as many goals as possible to try to finish first in the group.
Botswana struggled badly against Kakuta, who continued to cause problems all over the field. In the 60th minute, D.R. Congo scored again. Theo Bongonda made a strong run to the byline and passed the ball back into the six-yard box. Kakuta was right there to finish easily.
The score became 3–0, clearly confirming Over 2.5 Goals and also showing why this match was not BTTS.
BTTS, or Both Teams To Score, means that both teams score at least one goal. Since Botswana failed to score again, BTTS did not land in this match.
A Disallowed Goal and Final Whistle
D.R. Congo almost added a fourth goal when Fiston Mayele headed the ball into the net. However, VAR reviewed the play and showed that the ball had touched his arm before going in. According to soccer rules, this made the goal illegal, and it was ruled out.
The match ended 3–0, a dominant and well-earned victory for D.R. Congo.
Group Outcome and Tournament Facts
Despite their big win, D.R. Congo finished second in Group D because Senegal had a better goal difference. Still, reaching the knockout rounds for a fifth straight AFCON is a great achievement and shows the team’s long-term quality.
Botswana, meanwhile, exited the tournament without scoring a single goal. This was only their second appearance ever at an AFCON finals, and although the results were disappointing, the experience will be valuable for future tournaments.
Soccer Facts from the Match
The match finished 3–0, confirming Over 2.5 Goals
BTTS (Both Teams To Score): NO, since Botswana did not score
D.R. Congo had more possession, more shots, and more chances
Gael Kakuta scored two goals and one assist
Botswana finished the tournament with 0 goals scored
D.R. Congo qualified for the knockout stage for the 5th consecutive AFCON
Final Thoughts
This match showed the difference between a confident, experienced team and one still learning on the big stage. D.R. Congo played smart, attacked with purpose, and stayed focused from start to finish. Botswana tried hard but could not match the speed, skill, and organization of their opponents.
As the knockout rounds approach, D.R. Congo will hope to build on this performance, while Botswana will return home with lessons learned and goals for the future.