…Kakuta to lead DR Congo against Algeria in round of 16
The Democratic Republic of the Congo ended their Group D campaign with a 3-0 win over Botswana on Tuesday, but the result was only enough to secure second place and a tough round-of-16 tie at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Gael Kakuta was the standout performer in Rabat, playing a decisive role in all three goals. The midfielder set up Nathanael Mbuku with a clever backheel for the opener before converting a penalty shortly before half-time.
Kakuta added his second and DR Congo’s third just after the hour mark, finishing from Theo Bongonda’s assist as the Leopards pushed for a goal swing that would have lifted them above Senegal on goal difference.
A fourth goal briefly seemed possible when Fiston Mayele found the net in the 64th minute, but the effort was ruled out, ending hopes of a dramatic change in the group standings.
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Both DR Congo and Senegal finished on seven points, but the Leopards settled for second due to an inferior goal difference.
Kakuta, named Man of the Match, reflected on his unexpected start and the team’s depth.
“All glory be to God. I wasn’t supposed to be in the starting 11, and here I am being named Man of the Match,” Kakuta said.
“I would like to highlight our collective strength. We had many changes today, but we stayed the course.”
Botswana head coach Morena Ramoreboli praised his players despite their exit from the tournament.
“We are leaving the competition, but I really liked the attitude of my players. They gave their all until the end and caused problems for the opponents,” Ramoreboli said.
The final standings mean DR Congo will face 2019 champions Algeria in the round of 16 next Tuesday, with the winner potentially lining up against Nigeria in the quarterfinals.
Botswana exit the competition without a point from their three matches.
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