KINSHASA (DR Congo) – If any team turned heads during the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, it was the DR Congo Leopards.
Their impressive 5-1 record was notable, but it was the way they dismantled South Sudan, one of Africa’s top contenders and Olympic sensations, that truly captured attention.
During the opening window, the Leopards delivered a masterclass in basketball, combining tenacity and tactical discipline.
They outworked and outplayed the highest-ranked team on the continent, posting a perfect 3-0 start. This emphatic win boosted their confidence and sent a clear message to the rest of the African basketball community: DR Congo has arrived as a force to be reckoned with.
South Sudan returned stronger in the second window and handed DR Congo their sole loss with a dominant 79-58 victory, but the Leopards had already made their mark. The Leopards had staked their claim in the competition, proving that they can compete with the best of Africa's basketball teams.
With AfroBasket 2025 approaching and set to be hosted in Angola from August 12–24, the big question remains: Can DR Congo maintain this momentum on the continental stage?
With their blend of emerging stars and experienced players, many believe this team is ready for a breakthrough performance.
The DR Congo Basketball Federation has begun shaping the squad for the tournament, releasing a partial roster of ten players. Other players are set to join the team at a later stage.
Currently in Angola for a pre-tournament training camp, the team is working to strengthen their chemistry, refine their strategies, and build on the solid foundation established during the qualifiers.
Expectations are high, both at home and among basketball fans across Africa.
FIBA.basketball takes a closer look at the Leopards, their journey, and what lies ahead for this exciting team.
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike
10th in Africa, 72nd in the world
Road to Angola 2025
DR Congo secured their spot in AfroBasket 2025 with an impressive performance in the qualifiers, concluding with a 5-1 record.
A highlight of their campaign was the 76-69 victory over South Sudan in November 2024, a result that resonated across the continent.
The Leopards opened their campaign with dominant performances against Mali and Morocco, showcasing a blend of gritty defense and clinical offense that left their opponents reeling.
The Leopards showcased a balanced attack, with multiple players rising to the occasion in pivotal moments to secure a flawless start.
The final qualifiers window brought tougher challenges. Facing a determined South Sudan team, DR Congo suffered their only loss, falling 89-58.
However, their earlier consistency and resilience secured their spot in the main event, setting the stage for a potentially deep run.
AfroBasket History
The Leopards have a storied but intermittent history at AfroBasket.
They made their debut in 1974 as Zaire and impressively finished sixth. They matched this achievement six years later, in 1980. After a long absence from the tournament, the DR Congo team returned in 2007, finishing 15th and showing signs of rebuilding.
They experienced a resurgence in 2017 when they returned to the top six, signaling a return to competitive relevance.
However, they finished 13th in the 2021 edition, indicating a dip in form.
The current squad hopes to reverse that trend and solidify DR Congo’s place among Africa’s basketball powerhouses by building on their recent success.
Coaching staff
French tactician Michel Perrin took charge ahead of the Qualifiers and now stands at the helm.
Perrin wasted no time reshaping the team’s identity, emphasizing disciplined defense, fast-paced transition play, and a cohesive team ethos. His impact was immediate, as he guided DR Congo to key victories over Mali, Morocco, and South Sudan.
Perrin’s coaching philosophy is complemented by assistant coach Pierrot Ilunga, a respected figure in Congolese basketball.
Ilunga previously led the national team to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 AfroCan and brings valuable experience and insight to the bench. Together, they are leading the Leopards toward new heights.
Key Players
Three names stood out as catalysts for DR Congo’s success in the Qualifiers and will be pivotal in Angola:
Claude Christian Lutete IV (15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2 assists per game)
The team’s scoring engine, Lutete averaged 15.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.
A model of consistency, he posted double-digit scoring in every contest and logged over 31 minutes per game. Lutete’s offensive versatility was on full display with standout performances including 20 points against Mali, a sizzling 27 versus Morocco, and a crucial 10 points in the landmark win over South Sudan.
Rolly Fula Nganga (11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds 0.8 assists per game)
The France-based forward averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Fula Nganga’s athleticism and scoring ability proved vital, especially in the victory over South Sudan where he poured in 21 points and secured 5 rebounds. His experience in European leagues adds an important dimension to the Leopards’ frontline.
Jordan Sakho (14.4 points, 9 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game)
Providing size, stability, and playmaking in the paint, Sakho averaged 14.4 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His dominance was evident with double-doubles against South Sudan (18 points, 11 rebounds) and Mali. Sakho’s presence on both ends makes him a cornerstone of the team’s strategy.
NBA star Jonathan Kuminga, who last featured for the Leopards in the second round of the 2023 World Cup African Qualifiers, is expected to join the team in Angola.
Outlook
With a challenging Group A draw that includes strong teams like Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, and Rwanda, DR Congo has a tough road ahead.
However, the Leopards' recent performances demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level.
With a core of rising talent, experienced leadership, and a fresh coaching approach, DR Congo aims to rise in the AfroBasket rankings.
If they can maintain the intensity and focus they displayed in the qualifiers, this team has the potential to upset the established powers and become one of the most exciting squads in Africa to watch in 2025.
FIBA