Former Nigeria international Daniel Amokachi has praised DR Congo for their impressive performances at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, describing the Leopards as one of the standout teams of the tournament so far. According to SunSports, DR Congo, two-time African champions who lifted the trophy in 1968 and 1974, secured qualification for the round of 16 after finishing second in Group D with seven points, behind Senegal on goal difference. The Leopards recorded a 1–0 victory over Benin Republic and followed it up with a convincing 3–0 win against Botswana in their final group game. They ended the group stage with five goals scored and just one conceded. Their strong showing has earned them a round-of-16 clash against 2019 champions Algeria in Rabat on Tuesday. READ ALSO: Senegal Hold DR Congo to Draw, Edge Closer to AFCON Last 16 Amokachi attributed his admiration for the Congolese side to their recent displays, as well as their competitive history against Nigeria, particularly their victory over the Super Eagles in the African play-off final of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. “The AFCON has really stood out this year. You look at Algeria, Mozambique, even some of the favourites,” Amokachi told CKSports. “But for me, I think DR Congo have been really impressive. What coach Sébastien Desabre has done with the team is incredible. The way they set up, the way they play and build from the back, the midfielders knowing when to surge forward and when to hold back, the distribution of the ball and their compactness — for me, they really stand out.” The former Super Eagles winger also dismissed the idea of underdogs at the continental tournament, insisting that African football is highly competitive. “I don’t think we have underdogs in African football. Our slogan is ‘We play different’. The country I mentioned, DR Congo, some people might see them as underdogs because they haven’t won the AFCON in a long time, but I won’t call them underdogs,” he said. “They faced Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers play-off and made it to the intercontinental final. They have had an incredible three games so far.” DR Congo and Nigeria could be set for another showdown in Morocco. If the Leopards defeat Algeria, they will face the winner of the round-of-16 fixture between Nigeria and Mozambique, scheduled for Monday. Since winning their last AFCON title in 1974, DR Congo’s best finish at the tournament was a third-place outing in 2015.
Amokachi Hails DR Congo as AFCON 2025 Standout Team
