The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is actively preparing for AFCON 2025. This participation is crucial for the Leopards, who aim to confirm their status on the African stage. In a phase of consolidation, the Congolese national team is fine-tuning its preparation to meet the tournament’s demanding standards. The competition will serve as a true test to evaluate the DRC’s ability to compete with seasoned teams and to reveal new talents capable of propelling the national football to a higher dimension on the continent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is making a notable return to the African football scene at AFCON 2025. Long considered one of the continent’s great powers, the DRC’s mere presence is a reminder of its historical weight: two continental titles in 1968 and 1974, two finals played, and a generation that left a lasting mark on the African imagination. After several inconsistent years marked by absences and mixed performances, the Leopards return with the stated ambition of reclaiming their rank. Their qualification, achieved after a solid campaign (four wins in six matches), demonstrates a structured renewal and a competitive project.
“The players knew exactly what the standings were, we had to win. Everyone is connected, and for us, the main thing is to have our destiny in our own hands.”
Led by an experienced technical team, the Congolese selection relies on rigorous organization and a clear technical framework. In defense, the leadership of Chancel Mbemba remains central: over 100 caps, a constant influence, and international experience that reassures the entire team. Up front, Jonathan Bolingi and Cédric Bakambu bring power, mobility, and know-how, inherited from their spells in Europe and Asia. Together, they form a coherent core, driven by strong collective commitment and an ability to manage difficult moments, essential qualities for competing with the tournament’s top teams.
“The main thing is to win matches to maintain confidence. It’s always good; we keep moving forward steadily.”
Having passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 75, Koko Komegné leaves behind more than five decades of creation and an indelible mark in galleries, urban spaces, and museums, both in Cameroon and internationally. Through this stand, DOMAF 2025 reminded us that his art does not fade: his artistic legacy and his fight for the valorization of local creativity continue to nourish the cultural scene of Douala and the continent.