AFCON: DR Congo defeat Zambia in tune up match

The Leopards of DR Congo overcame Zambia 2-0 in a friendly match before both teams participate at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Goals from Arthur Masuaku and Rocky Bushiri confirmed victory for the Leopards in Murcia, Spain where both teams are finalizing preparations before heading to Morocco.

Utilizing a mostly full-strength XI, the Congolese team looked more dangerous against a group that is still awaiting the arrival of a couple players. Sunderland left back Masuaku opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when a routine cross was poorly handled by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga, who allowed the ball to bounce off his hands and into the goal.

DRC coach Sebastien Desabre made multiple substitutions in the second half to rest his more experienced players and it was Natanael Mbuku, brought in around the hour mark, who set up the Leopards’ second goal. An excellent delivery from Mbuku’s corner kick found Hibernian defender Bushiri who nodded in his first national team goal in the 72nd minute.

Tuesday’s two opponents will arrive at the upcoming tournament in much different form. The DRC have now won ten of their last eleven matches, including winning the African regional playoff for the 2026 World Cup to qualify for the inter-confederation playoff in March. The Leopards will participate in Group D alongside Botswana, Benin and Senegal with their opener against Benin on December 23.

Zambia’s full national team, meanwhile, have only won one of their last seven matches. Chipolopolo will be in Group A with the hosts, Mali and Comoros with their first group stage match against Mali on December 22.