DR Congo recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over already-eliminated Botswana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but the victory was not enough to secure top spot in Group D.
The Leopards came into the match knowing they had already qualified for the round of 16, but they still needed a big win and help from elsewhere to finish above Senegal.
They took the lead in the 31st minute when Nathanael Mukau finished off a fine move created by Gael Kakuta. Ten minutes later, Kakuta doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after VAR ruled that Botswana defender Thabo Leinanyane had handled the ball in the box.
Kakuta, who was called into the squad after a late injury replacement, scored his second goal of the night just after the hour mark, calmly converting a cut-back from Theo Bongonda to make it 3-0.
DR Congo pushed for more goals, but Fiston Mayele had one effort ruled out for handball, while Bongonda missed several late chances to increase the margin.
At the same time, Senegal’s 3-0 victory over Benin meant the West Africans finished top of the group on goal difference, leaving DR Congo in second place.
The Congolese side will now stay in Morocco for a tough last-16 clash against two-time champions Algeria on Tuesday, January 6. Botswana, meanwhile, end the tournament without a goal or a point, exiting at the group stage once again.
