When Cédric Bakambu found the net just seven minutes in, the atmosphere at Stade de Kégué in Lomé shifted from hopeful to tense for the home side. The 1-0 win for DR Congo came in an FIFA World Cup 2026 CAF Qualifier (Group B) on Friday, 10 October 2025, and instantly put the Leopards back in contention while leaving Togo scrambling for points.
Group B: The Bigger Picture
Group B has turned into a mini‑drama of its own. Going into the match, DR Congo sat second with 19 points from nine games (6‑1‑2), while the Togolese chiefs occupied fourth place with a meagre 7 points (1‑4‑4). The gap may look large, but with three qualification spots up for grabs, a late surge can still reshuffle the order.
The qualifier cycle, which began in 2023, has already produced a handful of surprise results – Ghana’s early stumble, Nigeria’s comeback win over Sudan, and now the narrow defeat of Togo on home soil. For DR Congo, every point is a buffer against the surprise packs that often emerge late in the African campaign.
Match Recap: A Quick‑Fire Lead and a Tight Finish
The game kicked off at 13:00 UTC, and within the first ten minutes the stakes were set. Bakambu collected a low cross from the right flank and placed a precise finish past goalkeeper Steven Mensah. The goal, registered at 7:00, left the home crowd stunned, their chants momentarily silenced.
Togo tried to answer back. Midfielder Roger Aholou ventured forward, but a rush of fouls from the Congolese side in the 33rd and 34th minutes earned free‑kick opportunities that never bore fruit. The first half closed 0‑1, with both coaches opting for conservative shapes.
At the break, Paulo Duarte, Togo’s head coach, made his first changes, bringing on fresh legs in midfield. The second half saw a flurry of substitutions – 46 minutes, 64 minutes, and again at 78 minutes – as Duarte pressed for an equaliser. Despite a late push, including a chance from forward Kévin Denkey, the Leopards held firm.
The match ended after seven minutes of stoppage time (90'+7), confirming a narrow but vital win for DR Congo.
Tactical Battle: Coaches’ Chess Moves
Sébastien Desabre, the Congolese manager, adopted a classic ‘protect‑the‑lead’ approach after his striker’s early strike. By 46 minutes he swapped in defensive midfielder Eddy Kayembe for forward Cédric Bakambu, reinforcing the backline and limiting space for Togo’s wingers.
Conversely, Duarte pushed an attacking quartet, injecting winger Yaw Annor for the tiring Guillaume Yenoussi, and swapping in striker Kodjo Fo‑Doh Laba for the under‑performing Yawo Evra Agbagno. The changes created brief flashes of danger but never broke the Congolese defensive rigidity.
Statistically, DR Congo out‑shot Togo 12‑5 and held 57 % possession after the hour mark, a clear sign that the early lead allowed Desabre to dictate tempo.
Implications: Who Moves Closer to Qatar‑2026?
With the win, DR Congo rises to 19 points, just two shy of the group leader. Analyst Samuel Osei of the African Football Review notes that "the Leopards have re‑established themselves as top‑three material. If they keep winning against the lower‑ranked sides, a final‑day showdown with the leaders is inevitable."
For Togo, the defeat leaves them with a solitary win from nine fixtures. Their upcoming matches against Kenya and Ethiopia become must‑win affairs; otherwise, elimination looks increasingly likely.
On a player level, Yannick Wissa now leads the scoring chart for DR Congo with three goals and three assists, cementing his role as a creative lynchpin. Meanwhile, Kévin Denkey remains Togo’s most productive forward, but his efforts alone were insufficient to overturn the deficit.
What Comes Next? The Road to Doha
Both camps will regroup quickly. Desabre’s next fixture pits DR Congo against group‑leaders Nigeria in November – a match that could decide the final qualification slot.
Duarte, on the other hand, must rally his squad for the double‑header against Kenya (home) and Ethiopia (away). A win‑all‑or‑nothing scenario looms, and any slip‑up could hand the group stage to a rival.
Fans can watch the remaining qualifiers on ESPN Africa’s streaming platform, where live stats and expert panels will break down each development.
Key Facts
- Goal scorer: Cédric Bakambu (7′)
- Final score: DR Congo 1 – 0 Togo
- Venue: Stade de Kégué, Lomé (capacity ~25,000)
- Group B standings after the match: DR Congo 19 pts (2nd), Togo 7 pts (4th)
- Next matches: DR Congo vs Nigeria (Nov 6), Togo vs Kenya (Nov 10) & Ethiopia (Nov 15)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect DR Congo’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
The win lifts DR Congo to 19 points, just two points behind group leaders. With three matches remaining, they can secure a top‑two finish and an automatic berth, provided they avoid a slip‑up against Nigeria.
What must Togo do to stay alive in the qualification race?
Togo needs to win both remaining fixtures against Kenya and Ethiopia and hope that the teams above them drop points. Even then, they would likely need a favorable goal‑difference scenario to clinch the final spot.
Who were the standout performers in the match?
Bakambu’s early strike set the tone, while goalkeeper Steven Mensah made a handful of saves to keep Togo in touch. For DR Congo, midfielder Eddy Kayembe’s defensive work after the substitution helped preserve the lead.
When and where will the next DR Congo match be played?
DR Congo faces Nigeria on 6 November 2025 at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Morocco. It’s a crucial clash for the group’s top spot.
What does the win mean for coach Sébastien Desabre’s tenure?
Desabre’s tactical discipline earned praise; securing three points on the road reinforces his credibility and may secure his contract through the next tournament cycle.
