DR Congo were beaten 2-0 by Uganda in the opening match of their friendly double-header at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Friday, with Sebastien Desabre’s side heavily affected by the absence of several senior and squad players.
The Leopards had entered the fixture after victories over Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. They beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 on 24 September before overcoming Zimbabwe 2-1 on 28 September.
However, Desabre made extensive changes for the first meeting with Uganda, who will host CAN 2027. None of the players who started the away victory in Harare was included in the starting XI.
Around 11 established players and regular squad members had been released, creating opportunities for several players to make their first starts and earn their first caps. Willy Kambwala, Jordy Makengo, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Stephy Mavididi and Afimico Pululu were all handed starting berths.
Dimitry Bertaud also returned in goal, having waited a year for another appearance for the national team.
Desabre set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation, but the match quickly turned against the Leopards. Uganda took the lead in the seventh minute after Bertaud’s poor attempted clearance gave the Cranes an opening.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo struggled to respond before half-time, prompting Desabre to make three changes during the interval. Jorthy Mokio, Junior Kadile and Nathanael Mbuku entered the game.
Kadile was making his third international appearance, having impressed during his first two outings in this international window.
The changes did not prevent Uganda from extending their advantage shortly after the restart. The Cranes struck in the 49th minute, taking advantage of a lack of concentration in the Congolese defence.
Noah Sadiki was introduced in the 67th minute in place of Aaron Tshibola, but the substitution did not alter the outcome as Uganda secured a two-goal victory.
The Leopards will have the chance to respond when they face the Cranes again on 5 October. The second match, which will also be played in Johannesburg, will bring the international gathering to a close.