Kinshasa, June 9th, 2026 (CPA).- The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo have concluded their preparations for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup finals with a defeat against Chile (1-2) on Tuesday at the Stade de la Source in Orleans, in France. The Leopards have faced another tough test against an experienced Chilean side, known for their intensity and commitment in duels. For this match, the coach has fielded Lionel Mpasi, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Bissaka, Joris Kayembe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noha Sadiki, Ngal’Ayel Mukau, Nathan Mbuku, Yoane Wissa and Theo Bongonda.
The first half was ended in a draw, despite both teams’ attempts to take the lead. After the break, Chile has found the breakthrough through Lucas Cepeda (53rd), who has opened the scoring with a powerful strike, allowing the South American side to take the lead. Sebastien Desabre, who has fully appreciated the importance of this final warm-up match, has made the most of the opportunity to rotate his squad.
As a result, Cedric Bakambu, Meschak Elia, Gael Kakuta, Brian Cipenga, Aron Tshibola and Edo Kayembe, who did not start the match, all came on as substitutes. The Leopards have tried to implement their usual set-up, based on a compact block, but were thwarted by quick transitions. The Chileans have then increased the pressure and managed to score a second goal from a Sulpeveda free-kick (86th minute), bringing the score to 2-0. Trailing, the Leopards have reacted in the final minutes of the match.
Defender Joris Kayembe has reduced the deficit in the 88th minute, giving the Congolese hope, but the remaining time was not enough for DRC to snatch an equaliser. The Congolese selection will now have to learn from this friendly match, including the one against Denmark (0-0), and come up with a proper response before facing Portugal on June 17th, 2026, for their opening match. DRC is preparing for its return to the world’s biggest competition, 52 years after its first appearance in 1974.
No ‘Hand of God’ for Cedric Bakambu
Riding the wave of euphoria following the Congolese goal, the Leopards went on the offensive and have roared. Their efforts have been rewarded by a move from Cedric Bakambu in the dying moments of normal time. This handball by the Congolese centre-forward, in the style of Diego Maradona, the late Argentine star, with his ‘Hand of God’ (a goal scored with the hand), during the 1986 World Cup final, won by the South American nation against England, was disallowed and the player was shown a yellow card.
To the technical staff: to learn from this
Now that preparations are complete, the Leopards have their sights set on the Americas, their final destination for the World Cup campaign. Following their work in training, punctuated by the two friendly matches, there were positives and negatives across all three areas of the pitch, including in goal where Lionel Mpasi was below par.
Chile: the second South American nation faced
For the record, according to CPA archives, Chile is documented as the second Latin American nation to have faced DRC.
The first South American side to stand in the Leopards’ way was Brazil.
This was during the final stage of the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany, against Brazil, who won 3-0 on June 22nd, 1974. According to the 2026 World Cup schedule, Colombia will be the third South American nation in Group K, which also includes Portugal and Uzbekistan.