RDC: First Caps for New Faces at the Tanière

On October 2, 2026, despite their defeat against Uganda (0-2) at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the friendly match served as a significant opportunity for a roster review for the DR Congo national football team. The Congolese coaching staff took advantage of the occasion to officially integrate new players into the Leopards A squad, granting playing time to several young talents who were highly anticipated. Among the debutants were Jorthy Mokio, Kevin Pedro, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Jordy Makengo, Willy Kambwala, and Stephy Mavididi, all of whom donned the DR Congo jersey for the first time. Additionally, striker Afimico Pululu, who started the match, celebrated his first official appearance and cap for the national team.

While the final score was disappointing from a statistical perspective, this friendly match allowed these newcomers to begin establishing their footing within the team. This immersion is now underway for these young players, who will have the chance to gain more experience in the upcoming match against Uganda.