A much-changed DR Congo eased to victory over already-eliminated Botswana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) but ultimately had to settle for second place in Group D.
The Leopards were already assured of a place in the last 16 ahead of kick-off in Rabat and began the final round of fixtures behind table-topping Senegal on goal difference.
Nathanael Mukau slid in to meet Gael Kakuta’s smart backheel to open the scoring just after the half-hour mark, and 10 minutes later a penalty from former Chelsea man Kakuta made it 2-0 to the Central Africans.
The spot-kick had been awarded after Meschack Elia’s cross struck the hand of Thabo Leinanyane, with referee Ahmad Heeralall sent to his pitch-side monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Kakuta, who was not even in DR Congo’s initial squad but called up after an injury to Mario Stroeykens, added the third in the 60th minute when he converted a cut-back from substitute Theo Bongonda.
Fiston Mayele had a potential fourth ruled out for handball midway through the second half – despite the ball appearing to hit the part of his upper arm which was covered by his shirt sleeve – and Bongonda failed to convert three late chances.
Senegal’s 3-0 win over Benin meant the West Africans finish above the Leopards by a two-goal margin.
DR Congo remain in the Moroccan capital but will face a tough last-16 match against fellow two-time champions Algeria on Tuesday, 6 January (16:00 GMT).
