Gael Kakuta produced a masterclass performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as DR Congo secured second place in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an impressive 3-0 win over Botswana at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The result sets up a fascinating round of 16 tie against Algeria for Les Leopards, who top Group E.
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Kakuta was at the center of everything positive about DR Congo's performance. The experienced playmaker produced a daring backheel assist to release Nathaniel Mbuku for the opening goal before converting a penalty in the first half and later completing his brace to cap an impressive display.
Mbuku broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, extending to finish inside the area after Kakuta's clever backheel split Botswana's defence.
The goal rewarded DR Congo's strong start, with the Congolese pressing high and attacking with purpose from the opening exchanges.
Charles Pickel threatened twice from distance, the first curling just wide before firing over the bar, while Fiston Mayall came close with a near-post header from a left-wing cross as the pressure mounted.
DR Congo's dominance was further rewarded just before half-time when VAR confirmed handball by Thabo Linanyane as he attempted to stop a cross from Meschack Elia.
Kakuta stepped up and dispatched the resulting penalty with confidence to give his team a two-goal lead at the interval.
After the restart, the leopards showed no signs of slowing down. On the hour mark, Kakuta struck again to make it 3–0, controlling Theo Bongonda's cross inside the box before calmly picking his spot.
