The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are heating up, and DR Congo delivered yet another dominant performance, securing a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Monday night at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania.
This win not only keeps their perfect record intact but also solidifies their position at the top of Group H. DR Congo has now emerged as one of the most formidable teams in the qualifiers, with their eyes firmly set on qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.
In a game that saw the Leopards control large portions of play, DR Congo broke the deadlock in the second half after a goalless first 45 minutes.
Substitute Theo Bongonda fired home in the 62nd minute, and fellow substitute Fiston Mayele added the second in the 76th minute to secure the win.
Ethiopia, known as the Walia Ibex, struggled to break down Congo’s solid defense and will need to regroup as they face tough upcoming fixtures.
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DR Congo’s Tactical Mastery: Second-Half Brilliance Secures Victory
From the outset, DR Congo showed their intent to dominate the game. Despite Ethiopia’s efforts to keep the match level in the first half, it was clear that DR Congo had the upper hand in both possession and attacking play.
The Leopards pressed high and created several opportunities, but Ethiopian goalkeeper Seid Habtamu kept his side in the game with key saves.
The turning point came in the second half when DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre made tactical adjustments by bringing on substitute Theo Bongonda. Bongonda immediately changed the dynamic of the game, providing the creative spark that DR Congo needed to break through Ethiopia’s defense.
In the 62nd minute, Bongonda latched onto a long ball from Joris Kayembe and calmly slotted it past Habtamu to give Congo the lead.
The goal ignited the Leopards’ attack, and Ethiopia struggled to mount a meaningful response. DR Congo’s second goal came just 14 minutes later when Fiston Mayele, another substitute, capitalized on a brilliant assist from Meschack Elia. Mayele’s composed finish in the 76th minute sealed the victory for DR Congo and left Ethiopia with little hope of a comeback.
Ethiopia’s Struggles and Defensive Grit
Ethiopia, although resilient in the first half, struggled to maintain their defensive shape as the game wore on. While they managed to keep DR Congo at bay for the first 45 minutes, the constant pressure from Congo’s attack eventually wore them down.
Ethiopia’s forward play was largely ineffective, with their chances few and far between. They failed to break down DR Congo’s defense, marshaled expertly by Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe.
Coach Sebastien Desabre’s decision to bring in Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele proved to be a tactical masterclass, with both substitutes making an immediate impact.
Ethiopia, on the other hand, lacked the same depth and energy in their substitutions, with their attacking options failing to threaten Congo’s goal.
With this defeat, Ethiopia remains in third place in Group H and will need to improve quickly if they hope to qualify for AFCON 2025. They now face two crucial fixtures against Guinea, and failure to secure points in those matches could all but end their qualification hopes.
DR Congo’s Road to AFCON 2025: Can They Go All the Way?
DR Congo’s impressive form in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers has put them in pole position to qualify from Group H. With two wins from two matches, they have established themselves as one of the top contenders for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Coach Sebastien Desabre’s tactical prowess and the team’s depth of talent have made them a force to be reckoned with in the qualifiers.
One of DR Congo’s key strengths is their versatility in attack. Players like Meschack Elia, Theo Bongonda, and Fiston Mayele have provided a dynamic front line capable of breaking down even the most resolute defenses. The Leopards also boast a solid defensive unit, with experienced players like Axel Tuanzebe and Chancel Mbemba leading from the back.
With upcoming matches against Tanzania and Guinea, DR Congo will aim to maintain their 100 percent win record. If they continue playing at this level, there is no doubt that they will be strong contenders not just for qualification but also for a deep run in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Ethiopia’s Path to Redemption
For Ethiopia, the loss against DR Congo has exposed several weaknesses that coach Wubetu Abate will need to address.
The Walia Ibex lacked the cutting edge in attack and struggled to build cohesive plays in midfield. Defensively, they were resilient for much of the game but ultimately buckled under Congo’s relentless pressure.
Ethiopia now faces a critical period in their qualifying campaign, with two back-to-back matches against Guinea. These games will be make-or-break for their chances of reaching the AFCON 2025 finals.
Coach Abate will need to rethink his approach and find a way to get the best out of his attacking players if they are to stand a chance against a strong Guinea side.
AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Monday’s Full Results
- Lesotho 0-1 Morocco
- Ethiopia 0-2 DR Congo
- Angola 2-1 Sudan
- Niger 1-1 Ghana
- Equatorial Guinea 2-2 Togo
- Burundi 0-1 Senegal
- Madagascar 1-1 Comoros
- Uganda 2-0 Congo Brazzaville
Conclusion: The Road Ahead in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers
DR Congo’s 2-0 victory over Ethiopia keeps them on track for AFCON 2025 qualification, while Ethiopia faces a tough path ahead. With several crucial matches on the horizon, both teams will be looking to make their mark on the competition.
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