DR Congo booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with a convincing 3-0 win over Botswana, although they had to settle for second place in the group.
Already eliminated and without a goal in the tournament, Botswana struggled to cope with constant pressure from DR Congo in the first half. The Léopards created several chances before finally taking the lead just after the half-hour mark, when Gaël Kakuta produced a clever backheel to set up Nathanaël Mbuku, who finished well at the near post.
DR Congo doubled their advantage shortly before half-time after a VAR review awarded a penalty for handball. Kakuta kept his composure and calmly placed the spot-kick into the top corner to make it 2-0 at the break.
Needing goals to challenge for top spot, DR Congo continued to attack after the restart. Kakuta struck again on the hour mark, finishing from close range after a good cut-back from Théo Bongonda.
A fourth goal was ruled out by VAR, and the score remained 3-0 as DR Congo finished second in Group D on goal difference behind Senegal. Botswana exit the tournament without scoring a single goal in just their second appearance at the AFCON finals.
