Gaël Kakuta delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as DR Congo secured second place in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a convincing 3–0 victory over Botswana at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The result sets up an enticing Round of 16 clash for Les Léopards against Algeria, who topped Group E.
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Kakuta was central to everything positive about DR Congo’s display. The experienced playmaker produced an audacious backheel assist to release Nathaniel Mbuku for the opening goal before converting a first-half penalty and later completing his brace to cap a dominant showing.
Mbuku broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, stretching to finish inside the area after Kakuta’s clever backheel split the Botswana defence.
The goal rewarded DR Congo’s strong start, with the Congolese pressing high and attacking with purpose from the opening exchanges.
Charles Pickel threatened twice from a distance, first curling narrowly wide before firing over the bar, while Fiston Mayele went close with a near-post header from a left-wing cross as the pressure mounted.
DR Congo’s dominance was further rewarded just before half-time when VAR confirmed a handball by Thabo Leinanyane as he attempted to block a cross from Meschack Elia.
Kakuta stepped up and dispatched the resulting penalty with confidence to give his side a deserved two-goal cushion at the interval.
After the restart, the Leopards showed no sign of easing off. On the hour mark, Kakuta struck again to make it 3–0, controlling Theo Bongonda’s cross inside the box before calmly picking his spot.
