DR Congo’s U20 side have been eliminated from the UNIFFAC qualifying tournament and will not take part in the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after a draw was needed to separate them from Gabon.

The Leopardeaux finished level on points and goal difference with Gabon after a series of draws in the Central African zone competition, which is being held in Cameroon. Their exit came despite remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.

DR Congo opened their campaign on 12 October with a goalless draw against Gabon. They then drew 1-1 with Congo-Brazzaville on Sunday, while Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon had also shared the points in a 1-1 draw on 15 October.

All three teams ended the group phase with two points. Congo-Brazzaville finished top after scoring two goals, while Gabon and DR Congo could not be separated: both had scored once and conceded once.

UNIFFAC therefore held a draw at Stade d’Olembe in Yaounde at 12:00 on Monday to determine which of Gabon and DR Congo would progress. The outcome favoured Gabon, leaving the Leopardeaux out of the tournament and ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The result was particularly painful for a DR Congo side who had not lost a match and had reached the quarter-finals of the previous U20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.

The UNIFFAC semi-finals will be played on 21 October. Cameroon will face Gabon, while Congo-Brazzaville will meet the Central African Republic. The two winners will secure qualification for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ghana in 2027.

DR Congo’s elimination comes amid growing frustration over the team’s treatment during their preparations. A video that has circulated widely shows the Leopardeaux and their staff protesting about their conditions and threatening to boycott that day’s training session.

Among their complaints were unpaid bonuses, which had reportedly still not been received after more than a month of preparation. The dispute has added to the bitterness surrounding an UNIFFAC campaign in which DR Congo had entered as defending champions.