Introduction
On 12 March 2025, the Zambia national football team faced the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in a highly anticipated friendly that many fans were calling a pre‑AFCON 2025 warm‑up. The match, played at the National Stadium in Lusaka, attracted a record crowd and was streamed live across Africa. The final score was 2‑0 in favour of DR Congo, a result that set the tone for both teams as they prepare for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Match Overview
The game began with a balanced first half. Zambia showed strong defensive organization, while DR Congo pressed high with a fast‑break style. The tempo rose in the second half, and the Congolese attackers found space behind Zambia’s back‑line. The match was a showcase of tactical discipline and individual skill, with both squads testing each other’s defensive limits.
Key Moments
- 15’ – Zambia’s early threat: A well‑placed corner produced a header that hit the post, signalling Zambia’s intent to dominate the set‑piece game.
- 38’ – DR Congo’s breakthrough: A swift counter‑attack saw Congolese winger Jean‑Pierre Moyo deliver a pinpoint cross to striker Raf
