Banza's brace leads DR Congo to victory over Madagascar in France

Photo: FECOFA Media

DR Congo completed a successful June FIFA window on Sunday after the Leopards defeated Madagascar by a 3-1 score to make it two wins from two exhibition matches this week in Orléans, France.

After thirteen games for the Leopards without a goal, striker Simon Banza ended his scoring drought in spectacular fashion with two goals in the victory. The striker with a prolific record in his club career showed encouraging signs for Congolese supporters, opening the scoring in the first half with a poacher's goal after Yoane Wissa's initial effort bounced off the crossbar.

In front of passionate support that was decisively in favor of the Congolese, the Leopards assumed control of the match early on with Banza's first goal confirming a deserved lead. The Malagasy selection failed to recover and five minutes later the Congolese doubled their lead with a brilliant goal. Yoane Wissa combined with Nathanael Mbuku, who set up the Brentford FC star for a calm finish.

In the second half, Banza showed all of his striking instincts for a brilliant goal in the 68th minute to make it 3-0. Receiving a pass at the edge of the Malagasy penalty area, Banza appeared to lose his footing but regained his balance quickly as he maneuvered around a defender and then goalkeeper Sonny Laiton to tap into an empty goal (video at the top).

El Hadary Raheriniaina gave Madagascar's Barea a consolation goal in stoppage time but the Leopards were the clear winners on the day. Both teams have completed their fixtures for the international window before 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying resumes in early September. Madagascar has a separate selection that is currently competing in the ongoing COSAFA Cup.