- International Build Up: DR Congo 1-1 Uganda Cranes
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda Cranes played to a 1-all draw in an international friendly match played at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday, 5th October 2026.
Nathanael Mbuku Wa Mbuku scored the opener for DR Congo in the 69th minute before James Bogere’s stunner in the 89th minute.
Mbuku, a forward at Sint Truiden in Belgium beat goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi with a low drive from 20 yards after he had intercepted Arnold Odong’s pass.
Before the goal, DR Congo had been the better side with great possession of the ball and a couple of half chances created.
Uganda Cranes had the first chance to break the deadlock when forward Arnold Vula missed target from close range inside the goal area in the 49th minute.
With a minute to clock the 90th minute, two substitutes Denis Omedi and Bogere combined before the latter latched a fierce shot past goalkeeper Bertaud Dimitry for the equalizer.
A couple of players earned their first international caps for the senior Uganda Cranes side as goalkeeper Osayi, Gaucho Dehohi, Sadam Masereka, Diaby Souleymane and Geofrey Lubanga Kene.
In the second half, Uganda Cranes’ technical team introduced Lubanga Kene, Travis Mutyaba, Bogere, Joseph Seremba, Frank Ssebufu and Denis Omedi at different intervals.
The changes paid off handsomely when Omedi released Bogere into space before the 18-year-old scored his second international goal.
Uganda Cranes had earlier beat DR Congo 2-0 on 2nd October 2026 at the same venue.
James Bogere and Kevin Boateng scored for Uganda Cranes in the first build up duel.
DR Congo is currently stationed 41st in the latest FIFA Rankings with Uganda Cranes at 89th.
Team Line Ups:
DR Congo XI: Dimitry Bertaud (G.K), Steve Kapuadi, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Nathael Mbuku, Joris Kayembe, Brandon Ndezi, Noah Sadiki, Aaron Tshibola, Junior Kadile, Kevin Pedro, Chancel Mbemba (Captain), Jackson Muleka
Subs: Mathieu Epolo (G.K), Nathan Ndibu (G.K), Inonga Baka, Willy Kambwala, Jorthy Mo Kio, Samuel Essende, Theo Bongonda, Gedeon Kalulu, Stephy Mavividi, Afimico Pululu
Team officials:
- Head coach: Sebastien Desabre
- Assistant coach: Raphael Hamidi
- Assistant coach 2: Pamphile Mihayo
- Goalkeeper coach: Kidiaba Muteba
- Physical trainer: Gerome D’Antonio
- Team doctor: Bungu Kakala
- Physiotherapists: Thomas Fritz & Cedric D’Antonio
- Team manager: Marcel Mayala
- Video Analyst: Joudan Corentin
- Equipment manager: Bageta Serge
Uganda Cranes XI: Kingdom Osayi (G.K), Gaucho Dehohi, Toto Majub, Kenneth Ssemakula (Captain), Toby Sibbick, Baba Al Hassan, Sadam Masereka, Soulyeman Diaby, Abdoulaye Sissako, Arnold Vula, Kevin Boateng
Subs: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K),David Akpan (G.K), Joseph Seremba, Jonathan Odongo Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Geofrey Lubanga Kene, Allan Oyirwoth, Travis Mutyaba, Frank Ssebufu, Denis Omedi, James Bogere
Team officials:
- Head coach: Joseph Paul Put
- First assistant coach: Fred Muhumuza
- Goalkeeper coach: Djirk Oste
- Equipment manager: Samuel Mulondo
- Physical trainers: Felix Ayobo & Louis Mandon
- Team staff: Paul Mukatabala & Marin Gaston
- Physiotherapists: Ivan Ssewanyana & Van Glenn Achiel
- Team manager: Geofrey Massa
- Medical staff: Christian Goossens
- Team doctor: Emmanuel Nakabago
Match officials:
- Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
- Assistant Referee 1: Kamohelo Ramutsindela (South Africa)
- Assistant Referee 2: Cledwin Baloyi (South Africa)
- Fourth official: Alfred Chavani (South Africa)
- General coordinator: Thabiso Moremi (South Africa)
- Media officer: Mhlengi Ngcobo (South Africa)
- Security officer: Tshepo Khoza (South Africa)
