Friendly: DRC falls 0-2 to Uganda at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg
The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo lost 0-2 against Uganda on October 2, 2026, at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, during a friendly match played behind closed doors. This was the first of two matches scheduled between the two teams in the South African metropolis.
The scenario quickly turned to the disadvantage of the Congolese. According to Africa Top Sports, Bogere opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a missed clearance by goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud, who was returning to the national team after a year-long absence. Radio Okapi places this first goal in the 6th minute and mentions a Congolese defensive error. Uganda doubled their lead in the 49th minute, just moments after the restart.
The DRC never found a breakthrough. Still according to Radio Okapi, a header from Théo Bongonda went wide late in the game, marking the only real threat in front of the Ugandan goal.
A heavily reshuffled team
Head coach Sébastien Desabre chose a deeply renewed squad, deprived of a dozen key players who were released from the training camp. According to Afrik-Foot, five players made their first start for the Leopards: Willy Kambwala, Jordy Makengo, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Stephy Mavididi, and Afimico Pululu. At halftime, the coach brought on Jorthy Mokio, Junior Kadile, and Nathanaël Mbuku.
This full-scale test is part of the preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania. Facing a future host nation, the DRC wanted to measure the depth of its talent pool: it leaves with certainties to rebuild, even if a closed-door friendly without its usual starters is not a definitive verdict.
Immediate second leg
The two teams will meet again in Johannesburg for a second friendly: on October 5, 2026, according to Afrik-Foot and Africa Top Sports, or October 6, according to Radio Okapi. The Leopards will look for a proud response and an opportunity to give more playing time to those who did not convince on October 2.
This article was written in French with the help of artificial intelligence from the sources cited below, then translated from French automatically. Read the original.
