The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Under-20 national team side began their 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a 1-1 draw against Ghana last night in Egypt.
The Group C encounter played at the New Suez Stadium saw the Italy-based US Sampdoria attacker Samuel Ntanda’s give DR Congo a surprise 16th-minute lead before the four-time competitions replied with an equalizer.
Ghana’s Black Satellites responded through Musibau Aziz eight minutes later but despite sustained pressure in the second half, they couldn’t find a winner.
Ntanda gave the Congolese the lead after rising highest to nod home Messy Manitu’s pinpoint cross, capping off a bright opening spell by the Central Africans.
But Ghana quickly regrouped and equalised when Emmanuel Mensah whipped in a dangerous cross that was met by Aziz, whose low finish left the goalkeeper with no chance.
The Black Satellites dominated the second-half and had several shots fly just off target as the DR Congo put in a resilient defensive performance.
The result leaves Group C wide open after matchday one, with all four teams tied on one point.
DR Congo’s next fixture in Group C is against the Central African Republic on Monday.
