Cruel disappointment for DR Congo, denied a place at the U20 AFCON by a draw!

The Democratic Republic of the Congo was eliminated from the UNIFFAC qualifying tournament for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after losing a decisive draw against Gabon in Yaoundé. The Leopards drew 0-0 with Gabon and 1-1 with Congo-Brazzaville; all three teams finished on two points, while Congo-Brazzaville topped the group with two goals scored. Gabon will face Cameroon in the semifinals, while Congo-Brazzaville will play the Central African Republic, with both winners qualifying for the tournament in Ghana in 2027. The elimination came amid a viral video showing the young players demanding payment of their bonuses after more than a month with the national team.