DR Congo U-20 Profile: Léopardeaux return with ambition and belief

The Democratic Republic of Congo will return to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in over a decade with renewed ambition and quiet confidence.

After lifting the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 Championship, the Central African nation arrives in Egypt ready to shake up Group C and push for a historic breakthrough.

Led by the experienced Guy Bukasa, the Léopardeaux will make only their third appearance at the U-20 AFCON finals, having previously competed in 1989 and 2013.

Both of those campaigns ended in early exits at the group stage, but this time, the mood is different.

There is optimism that a new generation of technically gifted, physically resilient, and tactically disciplined players can take DR Congo into uncharted territory.

Their journey to Egypt was built on unity and conviction, capped by a 2-1 win over neighbours Congo in the UNIFFAC final.

With key talents such as Kevine Makoko, Ferdinand “Semedo” Mukandila, and Messy Mubundu Manitou leading the charge, DR Congo will look to blend their traditional physical prowess with a more modern and flexible approach on the pitch.

Full profile below: 

The Democratic Republic of Congo make a long-awaited return to the competition for the first time since 2013. 

The Central African nation earned their place in Egypt after triumphing at the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 tournament, showcasing their blend of physicality, technical quality, and tactical discipline.

Led by experienced coach Guy Bukasa, DR Congo’s youth side is eager to change their historical record at the competition and prove they belong among Africa’s elite.

This marks only the third time DR Congo will appear in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON finals.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

DR Congo booked their ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON, Egypt 2025 by winning the 2024 UNIFFAC U-20 Championship, defeating neighbours Congo 2-1 in the final.

HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON

This will be DR Congo’s third appearance at the tournament, following their previous participations in 1989 and 2013.

On both occasions, the Léopardeaux failed to advance past the group stage. They now return with high hopes of rewriting their history.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kevine Makoko – A talented central midfielder from AS Vita Club, Makoko is known for his excellent passing range, vision, and control of tempo. Calm under pressure and technically sound, he is the engine of the team’s midfield.

Ferdinand “Semedo” Mukandila – A pacey and hard-working right-back from Cercle Don Bosco. Mukandila offers both defensive stability and attacking thrust with his overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and intelligent movement.

Messy Mubundu Manitou – A versatile midfielder plying his trade with Amiens in France’s Ligue 2. Mubundu brings balance, discipline, and creativity, capable of playing both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box operator.

COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH

Guy Bukasa is a modern tactician who favours a balanced style of play built on a solid defensive base and dynamic attacking transitions. Known for his tactical discipline and man-management skills, Bukasa has instilled a collective mindset within the squad while encouraging individual creativity in the final third.

Under his leadership, DR Congo has developed a compact and pragmatic playing identity, capable of adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of any opponent. Bukasa's ambition is clear—take DR Congo further than they’ve ever gone in this competition.

TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS

DR Congo will compete in Group C alongside Senegal, a talented and balanced team, the holders will be among the favourites to win the group. Their talented squad and technical strength make them a major challenge.

Ghana are a historical powerhouse in African youth football, Ghana is a technically gifted and physically imposing side. The Black Satellites will be one of the biggest tests in the group.

Central African Republic are considered underdogs, but capable of springing surprises with their aggressive style and fighting spirit.

DR Congo will aim to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in their history and pursue qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. With the right blend of structure and flair, the Léopardeaux could prove to be one of the tournament’s surprise packages.