U20 AFCON qualifiers: Congo reach the semi-finals

Congo’s junior Red Devils held DR Congo to a 1–1 draw on Sunday 18 October in the third and final round of group matches at the UNIFFAC U20 tournament, a qualifying competition for the next Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The result takes Congo to the top of Group B and into the semi-finals, where they will face the Central African Republic.

The Republic of Congo have reached the UNIFFAC semi-finals for the second consecutive edition, following the 2024 tournament held on home soil. At the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon, however, the Red Devils made a difficult start and conceded the opening goal in the first half. Released down the right, Ilinga played a first-time ball to Paul Massey Kabundi inside the penalty area. Kabundi only had to turn the ball into the net to put DR Congo ahead. The Leopards then had the better of the closing stages of the first half, but could not extend their advantage.

A point rescued after the break

Congo improved after the interval, playing with greater intensity. Fabrizio Cesana’s side kept pushing until their efforts were rewarded. Substitute Emmanuel Bouesso equalised with a low shot inside the penalty area, giving Congo the point they needed to secure their place in the last four.

“We are very happy. Despite a first half that was not as good as we expected, warriors never give up. I told my boys to lift their heads. I knew we could do it, and we equalised despite missing other chances. But nothing is settled yet; we carry on into the semi-finals,” said Congo captain Brunel Jancy Bintsouka.

Congo finish top of Group B

With draws against Gabon (1–1) and DR Congo (1–1), Congo finish the group stage on two points. Gabon and DR Congo also have two points, but Congo lead on goals scored: two, compared with one for each of their rivals. All three teams have a goal difference of zero.

Gabon and DR Congo are still awaiting the official tie-break decision to determine which team will take the second qualifying place in Group B. Their meeting ended goalless.

In Group A, Cameroon finish first with six points after beating Chad 3–0 and the Central African Republic 2–0. The Central African Republic and Chad both finish on one point, with the Central Africans ahead on goal difference.

Congo will therefore play the Central African Republic in the semi-finals, while Cameroon will face either Gabon or DR Congo once the final Group B standings are confirmed. Both finalists will qualify for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. Congo have taken an important step, but still need to win their semi-final to book a place at the continental finals.