The junior Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), host country of the 9th Francophonie Games, were eliminated at the end of the group stage of the U-20 men’s football tournament.
The Leopards were eliminated following their defeat at the start of the competition on the first day against the young Beninese team, with a score of zero to two, and for not meeting the criterion of the best second place. Niger thus finishes as the best loser to qualify for the semi-finals after its 5-0 victory over Lebanon in Group C.
The two semi-final matches will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, with Benin, the first in Group A, against Burkina Faso, the first in Group B. Cameroon, the first in Group C, will face the best loser, which is Niger.
It should be noted that only nine countries participated in this tournament for U-20 football after several nations declined the offer to participate in these Francophonie Games. The final of this youth football tournament will be held on Sunday at the closing of these games.
By Maki Barack Patrick
