DR Congo were denied the chance to avenge their 2-0 defeat by Uganda as the two sides drew 1-1 in Johannesburg on Monday.
The friendly at FNB Stadium was the Leopards’ final match of the international break, coming three days after Uganda had won the first meeting. Uganda are one of the co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sebastien Desabre made several changes to his starting XI, with only Steve Kapuadi retaining his place from the previous match. Chancel Mbemba, Joris Kayembe, Noah Sadiki, Nathanael Mbuku and new international Junior Kadile all returned to the side after being left out of the starting line-up on Friday.
Kevin Pedro and Brandon Ndezi made their international debuts, while Ezechiel Banzuzi won his second consecutive cap. Jackson Muleka also returned to the team after a year away and made his first appearance in the blue, red and yellow kit since his recall. Dimitry Bertaud kept his place in goal.
The Leopards struggled to create clear openings before the interval, but gradually took control after Desabre made changes at half-time. Inonga Baka came on in the 46th minute, while new internationals Stephy Mavididi and Jorthy Mokio were also introduced, replacing Kapuadi, Kadile and Ndezi.
DR Congo broke the deadlock in the 64th minute. Mbuku capitalised on a high interception near the Uganda penalty area before calmly beating goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi by finding the far corner.
The goal was Mbuku’s first for the national team since 30 December, when he scored during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
However, DR Congo were punished for conceding possession in the closing stages. Uganda equalised in the 90th minute through James Bogere, who celebrated by performing the fimbu, the iconic celebration associated with the Leopards.
The result brought an end to a demanding run of four matches in 12 days for Desabre’s side. That sequence included two victories in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea and a 2-1 victory away to Zimbabwe.
DR Congo also recorded one defeat and one draw during the extended international break.