In Rabat, DR Congo did exactly what was needed and then some. A 3-0 win over Botswana sealed second place in Group A at AFCON 2025, sent the Leopards into the last 16 to face Algeria, and underlined a team growing in calm and confidence. Botswana’s campaign ended at the other extreme: three games, zero points, no goals scored, and a harsh lesson at this level.

The final table tells a simple story. DR Congo finished on 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw, +4 goal difference), behind Senegal only on goal difference. Botswana closed with 0 points and a -7 goal difference. But the way the match unfolded said even more about where both teams are right now.

Clinical DR Congo seal the job early

DR Congo started on the front foot and never really took it off. There was an early warning for Botswana when Meschak Elia broke in and forced a sharp save from goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko. Moments later Charles Pickel shot wide, a hint of the pressure to come.

The breakthrough came on 31 minutes through Nathanaël Mbuku, who guided the Leopards ahead and settled any nerves. Ten minutes later, the game swung further when Thabo Leinanyane was punished for a handball in the box. Gaël Kakuta, as cool as you like, rolled in the penalty for 2-0. By halftime, DR Congo were cruising, and Botswana were hanging on.

“That’s how you manage a group finale: score early, stay smart, shut the door.”

Gaël Kakuta pulls the strings

Kakuta was the heartbeat and the finisher. He converted the spot-kick before adding his second on 60 minutes to put the result beyond doubt. It was the full leader’s performance: tempo, vision, and end product. It’s no surprise he was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match.

One broadcast clip even cheered that Kakuta’s strike marked a 100th AFCON goal for DR Congo historically. However you frame it, the veteran playmaker delivered when it mattered, and his cool head gives the Leopards a sharp edge heading into the knockouts.

DR Congo could have added more. Fiston Mayele thought he had one, only for VAR to chalk it off for a handball in the build-up. It did not change the tone: the Leopards were in control and patient, picking their moments without losing shape.

“If this is the Leopards’ game state control, Algeria better be ready for 90 minutes of discipline.”

Botswana’s tough lesson on the big stage

Botswana came into the match already out, and their plan was to stay compact and spring forward when possible. Phoko’s early stop from Elia kept them alive, but the pressure was constant. Once behind, they struggled to hold the ball or create clear chances. Set pieces brought hope, yet no finish followed.

This was only Botswana’s second appearance at an AFCON finals, and it ended without a goal. The margins at this level are small, and the punishment for small errors is big. The handball for the penalty summed up the fine lines that decide tournament matches. The good news? The experience is real. The next step is turning it into growth back home and in the next qualifiers.

Key moments and game management

Beyond the scoreline, this was about control. DR Congo picked their moments well. The opening half-hour included two near-misses before Mbuku broke through. After the second goal, the Leopards managed pace and risk, rotating when needed and keeping Botswana at arm’s length.

There was steady game management from the bench too, with changes across 45′, 56′, 57′, 71′, 74′, and 89′. Those fresh legs helped lock down the win, protect key players, and keep the ball moving. Even when VAR denied Mayele, there was no panic and no loss of structure.

“Kakuta’s calm is contagious. Congo look balanced, not just brilliant.”

What the result means: Senegal top, DRC draw Algeria

With 7 points and a +4 goal difference, DR Congo finish second only to Senegal on goal difference. That sets up a last-16 clash with Algeria, a tie rich with history and talent. It’s a step up in difficulty, but this was the kind of clean, confident performance that carries well into knockout football.

Botswana close out the group in fourth. Three defeats, seven conceded, and no goals. It stings. But the tournament is also a mirror: it shows what must be fixed. Better chance creation. Fewer risky touches in the box. More belief when the big moments arrive.

Simple, strong, and on to the knockouts

DR Congo did not over-complicate the day. They started fast, punished errors, and kept the door shut. Mbuku brought the spark, Kakuta supplied the control and the finish, and the rest of the squad did their jobs with focus.

Now comes Algeria, and with it a higher bar. But if the Leopards bring the same mix of patience and punch, they will be right in the fight. This looked like a team that knows its shape, trusts its leaders, and understands the stakes. At AFCON, that’s often the difference between being here for a week and sticking around for a run.