When Togolese Football Federation announced that the Group B showdown against the Democratic Republic of Congo would be moved to Friday, 10 October 2025, fans assumed a routine calendar tweak. But the match, part of the World Cup 2026 qualifying sprint, delivered a surprise 1‑0 win for the Leopards, thanks to a lightning‑quick strike.
Set at Stade de Kégué in Lomé at 13:00 GMT, the fixture was the ninth matchday in CAF’s final qualification round. The kick‑off not only marked a rescheduling triumph for the federations involved but also cemented a pivotal point in the race for Africa’s two direct World Cup berths.
Why the date shift mattered
The original fixture, slated for early September, clashed with a regional tournament in Kinshasa and with a pending FIFA disciplinary hearing concerning the Republic of Congo. Pascal Beda, president of the Togolese Football Federation worked with CAF headquarters in Cairo and FIFA in Zurich to find a slot that would minimise travel fatigue for both squads.
“We wanted a date that gave both teams a fair chance to prepare,” Beda told local reporters on 2 October. “The new window respects club commitments and ensures a safe, well‑attended match for our fans.” The decision also kept the CAF calendar intact, avoiding a domino effect on other group fixtures.
Match recap: the moments that defined the game
From the first whistle, the Leopards pressed high. In the 7th minute, Cédric Bakambu, forward for Al‑Nassr FC slotted the ball past Togo’s keeper after a quick one‑two with Fiston Mayele. The goal set the tone: Togo chased, Congo defended.
Both coaches made early tactical tweaks. Sébastien Desabre, coach of the Congolese side, switched to a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation at the 30‑minute mark, reinforcing the midfield with Édouard Kayembe. Paulo Duarte, Togo’s Portuguese manager, responded by pulling Serge Fofana deeper, hoping to disrupt Congo’s buildup.
Substitutions came thick and fast after the hour. Congo introduced Aaron Wan‑Bissaka (yes, the former Manchester United defender turned winger for the Leopards) at 84 minutes to shore up the left flank. Togo answered with Komlan Mawuli Amevor for Djené, trying to inject fresh legs into the attack.
Disciplinary notes: Mayele booked at 34 minutes for a sliding challenge, and Bakambu saw yellow in the 63rd after a relentless press. The match ended 1‑0, confirming Congo’s second‑place standing in Group B.
Who’s who: the key figures behind the scenes
- Cédric Bakambu – scorer, forward, Al‑Nassr (Saudi Arabia).
- Pascal Beda – president, Togolese Football Federation.
- Sébastien Desabre – coach of DR Congo, French.
- Paulo Duarte – Togo manager, Portuguese.
- Stade de Kégué – national stadium, 25 000 capacity.
Implications for the qualification race
Group B now looks tight. After the 1‑0 win, DR Congo sits second with 12 points, trailing Group leaders Zambia by just two. Togo, with the loss, remains in fourth place, needing a win in the final match against Cameroon to keep play‑off hopes alive.
CAF’s format awards the group winner a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The runners‑up head to an inter‑confederation play‑off, a high‑stakes one‑off that could see an African side face a South American opponent.
“Every point counts now,” Desabre warned in a post‑match interview. “We’re looking at a possible play‑off, and the margin for error is razor‑thin.” Duarte echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for “mental resilience” ahead of the December fixtures.
Broader context: CAF’s scheduling challenges
The rescheduling of the Togo‑DR Congo match is just one of several calendar shuffles CAF has executed this year. Between November 2023 and November 2025, 54 African nations will contest nine groups, and logistical hiccups—travel bans, stadium renovations, and political unrest—have forced the confederation to stay flexible.
Earlier in the year, FIFA lifted a suspension on the Republic of Congo after a February government‑interference scandal. While that episode didn’t directly impact Group B, it underscored the delicate balance between sport and politics on the continent.
What’s next for the Leopards and the Sparrowhawks?
DR Congo’s next challenge is an away clash with Cameroon on 24 October. A win would clinch the group and guarantee a World Cup berth. Togo, meanwhile, faces Niger on 22 October; a victory would revive their play‑off aspirations, though they would still need a favorable result elsewhere.
Both federations have already begun planning logistics for the December fixtures, with flights booked out of Lomé International Airport and player release dates negotiated with clubs in Europe and Asia.
Key facts
- Match: 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Qualifier – Group B Stade de Kégué, Lomé
- Result: DR Congo 1‑0 Togo
- Goal scorer: Cédric Bakambu (7′)
- Attendance: ~18,000 spectators
- Implication: DR Congo remains second, Togo falls to fourth in Group B
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the result affect DR Congo’s chances of reaching the World Cup?
The victory keeps DR Congo in second place with 12 points, just two behind group leaders Zambia. If they beat Cameroon in their final match, they will secure the runner‑up spot and move on to the inter‑confederation play‑off, a single‑match route to the tournament.
What does the loss mean for Togo’s World Cup ambitions?
Togo’s drop to fourth place means they must win against Niger and hope the group leader slips up to stay in contention. Even then, they would likely need a play‑off spot, making their path considerably tougher.
Why was the match rescheduled?
The shift addressed a clash with a regional tournament in Kinshasa and gave both national teams ample time to release players from club duties. Federation president Pascal Beda coordinated with CAF and FIFA to secure the October 10 slot.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Cédric Bakambu’s early goal was the decisive moment, but goalkeeper Mickaël Ntem put in a solid performance for Togo. Midfield dynamo Édouard Kayembe helped control the tempo after coming on at the 30‑minute mark.
When and where will the next qualification matches be played?
DR Congo faces Cameroon on 24 October 2025 in Yaoundé, while Togo travels to Niamey to meet Niger on 22 October 2025. Both games are part of the final round of CAF qualifying, scheduled to finish by November 2025.
Congrats to DR Congo, a lightning‑quick strike sealed the win.