DR Congo draws 0-0 against Denmark in pre-World Cup international friendly

Sébastien Desabre's side displayed massive defensive discipline in Liège, withstanding a heavy Danish onslaught that hit the post three times ahead of their World Cup Group K campaign.

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The Democratic Republic of Congo National Football Team completed a highly demanding structural test just days before their official kickoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Backed by a passionate crowd of 23,000 spectators largely comprised of the African diaspora in Belgium, the "Leopardos" secured a commendable 0-0 draw against Denmark at the Standard de Liège training complex. The international friendly validated the tactical blueprint implemented by French manager Sébastien Desabre, whose men successfully contained a heavy European side that lacked clinical execution and struck the woodwork three times.

Contrary to the typical conservative approach deployed by African selections ahead of the world tournament, DR Congo pushed lines high from the opening whistle. Spearheaded by the quick transitions of Newcastle winger Yoane Wissa, the Leopards manufactured a dangerous tactical opening in the 25th minute, when veteran striker Cédric Bakambu unleashed a close-range effort that required an elite intervention from Danish keeper Filip Jörgensen.

Nevertheless, Denmark—currently undergoing a complete technical overhaul after falling to the Czech Republic in the UEFA World Cup playoff qualifiers—re-established possession control through long-range attempts. In the 32nd minute, Joakim Mæhle fired a blistering strike that hit the right post. Soon after, Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi executed crucial athletic blocks to deny Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and veteran midfielder Christian Eriksen. Early in the second half, in the 50th minute, Højbjerg rattled the crossbar once more following a smooth cross from Eriksen in what stood as the absolute clearest opportunity of the match.

The second-half tactical rotations provided fresh numbers for the Leopards, with Joris Kayembe and Noah Sadiki expanding width on the flanks, though missing the final pass inside the box. Denmark suffered severe setbacks as star forward Rasmus Højlund (57') and defender Oliver Provstgaard (79') were forced off due to physical issues. In stoppage time, Jörgensen made a spectacular diving save to deny a brilliant left-footed strike from Kayembe in the 92nd minute, sealing the definitive 0-0 margin.

While the result offers defensive confidence for a DR Congo side slated to open their tournament campaign in a demanding Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, their logistics remain heavily disrupted. Their second friendly scheduled for June 9 against Chile in La Línea de la Concepción, Spain, was formally suspended by Andalusian local authorities due to health precautions and insufficient documentation regarding the active Ebola outbreak in the African country.