DR Congo secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Central African Republic (CAR) in Group C of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Two goals from Noah Makanza and a late header by Samuel Ntanda handed the Junior Leopards all three points at the New Suez Stadium, lifting them to four points after their opening 1-1 draw with Ghana.
CAR had taken an early lead through Raphael Nzabakomada in the 10th minute, but DR Congo responded with resilience and firepower.
After missing a first-half penalty, the Leopards equalised through Makanza just minutes later to go into the break at 1-1.
DR Congo began the second half with intensity and were rewarded five minutes in, as Makanza added his second with a close-range finish to put his side ahead.
Samuel Ntanda then sealed the victory in the 59th minute, nodding in a well-placed cross from Messy Manitu after a rapid counterattack.
“We must stay focused and concentrated,” coach Guy Bukasa had urged his team ahead of the match. “The only way to overcome a strong team like Central African Republic is by staying compact, being aggressive in the right moments, and taking our chances.”
His players clearly took that message to heart, delivering a composed and disciplined performance.
While CAR pushed for a way back into the contest in the final moments—launching a series of shots blocked or saved by DR Congo’s defence—they lacked the clinical edge to breach the Congolese rearguard.
The result leaves CAR with just one point after two matches, having held Senegal to a draw in their opener. Their hopes of qualification now hang on their final group game.
DR Congo, meanwhile, sit in a strong position ahead of their final group fixture against defending champions Senegal.
The Congolese side are still unbeaten at the tournament and showed significant improvement in their attacking cohesion, recording more shots on target and dominating duels across the pitch.
In the day’s later game, Senegal face Ghana in what promises to be another pivotal encounter in Group C.
