Kinshasa, October 6th, 2026 (CPA). –The Leopards U23 of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have defeated Mauritania’s Mourabitounes 2-0 on Tuesday at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, in the second leg of the first round of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations (CAN U23) in Egypt, and have qualified for the second round, CPA has noticed. Having lost 0–1 in the first leg on September 28th in Nouakchott, the Guy Bukasa’s men needed a two-goal victory to continue their campaign. Mission accomplished at the end of a hard-fought match, during which the young Leopards have showed patience, efficiency and determination. In front of a large crowd – with free entry to the TP Mazembe stadium for this high-profile fixture – the Congolese have immediately taken control of the game. Their determination to quickly make up for their deficit was evident in their consistent pressure on the Mauritanian half and sharper attacking moves. After several minutes of dominance, the Congolese side’s efforts were rewarded in the 23rd minute. Following a move built up down the right flank, a cross was delivered to Filozofe Mabete, who had been left unmarked by the opposition defence; he simply rose to meet it and placed a precise header past the Mauritanian goalkeeper.
The deliverance signed by Mapendo
After the break, the Leopards have resumed their forward march. Aware of the importance of a second goal, they have stepped up the pressure and launched repeated forays into the final third of the Mauritanian half. However, despite their attacking determination, the decisive goal was a long time coming. As the minutes ticked by, the tension has mounted in the stands at the TP Mazembe stadium, with every Congolese attack now potentially decisive. The relief has finally come a few minutes before the end of normal time. Mapendo Candidat (84th minute) has found the net to score the Congolese side’s second goal. A goal meaning qualification, as DRC now held a 2–1 aggregate lead over the two legs. The final minutes were spent by the Congolese side managing their lead, as they took care to keep a clean sheet until the final whistle. Their likely opponent in the next round is Nigeria. CPA/