TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Qualifiers: Democratic Republic of Congo crowned UNIFFAC champions
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The Democratic Republic of Congo are the newly crowned champions of the UNIFFAC Zone, which has secured them a place at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The newly crowned champions will be joined by Congo Republic at the Finals after both sides reached the finals of the UNIFFAC qualifiers that were decided by a 2-1 victory for the Junior Leopards.
The qualifiers took place in Brazzaville, Congo between 24 September - 03 October, featuring the host nation Congo Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic as well as Gabon.
Despite having a difficult start, losing 1-0 to Congo Republic in their first match, they quickly recovered by defeating Equatorial Guinea, securing a place in the semi-finals against Cameroon.
Under the stewardship of Guy Bukasa, the champions triumphed on penalties after a 1-1 draw, despite being a man down.
In the all-Congolese final, the Democratic Republic of Congo avenged their earlier loss to their neighbours.
Thanks to a brace from striker Tony Talasi (7', 53'), the Leopards claimed the title.
This also marks the Democratic Republic of Congo's return to the competition for the first time since 2013.
The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup™, which will take place between 27 September - 19 October in Chile next year.
