The national team of the Democratic Republic of Congo ranks among the traditional powerhouses of African football. With a rich history, memorable achievements and a recognizable playing style, the Leopards have consistently left their mark on the Africa Cup. What makes this team special is their ability to turn periods of adversity into new success, driven by a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents. Fans look forward to AFCON 2025, where DR Congo promises passion, fight, and spectacle.
- Nickname: The Leopards
- Head coach: Sébastien Desabre
- Football Association: Fédération Congolaise de Football Association
- AFCON appearances: 19 times
- FIFA ranking: 61
DR Congo’s Match Schedule
DR Congo has been drawn into Group D, alongside Senegal, Benin and Botswana. Below is their full group stage schedule, including dates, times and venues. So you know exactly when to follow the Zebras.
| 23 December | Group stage |
 DR Congo Benin | 1 0 |
| 27 December | Group stage |
 Senegal DR Congo | 1 1 |
| 30 December | Group stage |
 Botswana DR Congo | 0 3 |
| 6 January | Round of 16 |
 Algeria DR Congo | 1 (AET) 0 |
Stats DR Congo AFCON 2025
Top scorer
| # | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gaël Kakuta | 2 |
| 2. | Nathanaël Mbuku | 1 |
| 3. | Théo Bongonda | 1 |
| 4. | Cédric Bakambu | 1 |
Assists
| # | Player | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gaël Kakuta | 1 |
| 2. | Arthur Masuaku | 1 |
Rating
| # | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Gaël Kakuta | 7,4 |
| 2. | Chancel Mbemba | 7,2 |
| 3. | Théo Bongonda | 7,2 |
| 4. | Nathanaël Mbuku | 7,2 |
| 5. | Joris Kayembe | 7,1 |
| 6. | Samuel Moutoussamy | 7,0 |
| 7. | Lionel M’Pasi | 7,0 |
| 8. | Michel Balikwisha | 6,9 |
| 9. | Ngal’ayel Mukau | 6,9 |
| 10. | Axel Tuanzebe | 6,9 |
DR Congo Squad
Keepers:
Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Luik)
Defenders:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland), Joris Kayembe (KRC Genk), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian FC), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warschau)
Midfielders:
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht), Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moskou), Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Celtic), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier), Brian Cipenga (Castellón)
Attackers:
Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Samuel Essende (Augsburg), Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor), Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis)
Head Coach DR Congo
Since taking charge in 2023, French coach Sébastien Desabre has revitalized the national team. His approach strikes a balance between defensive organization and fast, creative attacking transitions. Previously, he guided Uganda to the quarterfinals of AFCON 2019 and with DR Congo, he has already confirmed his status as a top coach by steering them through a convincing qualification campaign.
Star Player DR Congo
Yoane Wissa stands out as the face of the Leopards. Since joining Brentford in the Premier League in 2021, he has become the club’s all-time top scorer and a fan favorite. Known for his pace, creativity and lethal left foot, Wissa is considered one of the most dangerous African forwards in Europe. At AFCON 2023, he earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament and heading into 2025, he is once again expected to be decisive. Beyond his goals, his combination of explosiveness and leadership makes him a player who not only wins matches but elevates his teammates as well.
DR Congo AFCON History
DR Congo has a storied history at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their two continental titles, in 1968 and 1974, remain iconic with the 2–0 final victory over Mali in 1974 still remembered as a landmark moment. Although silverware has eluded them in later decades, the Leopards have remained a dangerous side by reaching the semifinals in 1998 and 2015 (finishing third after beating hosts Equatorial Guinea). Their most recent highlight came in 2023, when they once again reached the semifinals, but narrowly falling to eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire.
Road to AFCON 2025
Qualification for AFCON 2025 was marked by conviction and resilience. Drawn into a tough group with Tanzania, Guinea, and Ethiopia, DR Congo proved their quality with a solid defense and timely goals. Topping the group not only secured their ticket to Morocco but also strengthened belief that the Leopards are ready to compete at the highest level once again.
| Friday 6 September 2024 | |
DR Congo Guinea | 1 0 |
| Monday 9 September 2024 | |
 Ethiopia DR Congo | 0 2 |
| Thursday 10 October 2024 | |
DR Congo Tanzania | 1 0 |
| Tuesday 15 October 2024 | |
| Tanzania DR Congo | 0 2 |
| Monday 11 November 2024 | |
| Guinea DR Congo | 1 0 |
| Tuesday 19 November 2024 | |
| DR Congo Ethiopia | 1 2 |
| Team | PTS | G | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | +4 |
| Tanzania | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | +1 |
| Guinea | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | +4 |
| Ethiopia | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -9 |
Stats
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Meschack Elia | 2 |
| 2. | Edo Kayembe | 1 |
| 3. | Théo Bongonda | 1 |
| 4. | Fiston Mayele | 1 |
| 5. | Dylan Batubinsika | 1 |
Assists
| Player | Assists | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Meschack Elia | 2 |
| 2. | Joris Kayembe | 1 |
| 3. | Nathanaël Mbuku | 1 |
| 4. | Fiston Mayele | 1 |
Players Rating
| Player | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dylan Batubinsika | 7,8 |
| 2. | Joris Kayembe | 7,5 |
| 3. | Arthur Masuaku | 7,4 |
| 4. | Gedeon Kalulu | 7,4 |
| 5. | Chancel Mbemba | 7,3 |
| 6. | Henoc Inonga | 7,3 |
| 7. | Axel Tuanzebe | 7,1 |
| 8. | Dimitry Bertaud | 7,1 |
| 9. | Meschack Elia | 7,0 |
| 10. | Théo Bongonda | 7,0 |