The Leopards Ladies are just 15 days away from the opening act of the qualifiers for the 16th African Women’s Cup of Nations (CAN) in Morocco 2026, where they will face the Mares of Botswana in a double confrontation: first on Thursday, February 20th in Gaborone, followed by a match on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at the Stade des Martyrs. These two crucial matches in the first round will set the stage for the future of the Congolese team.
Looking ahead, if the Leopards Ladies qualify for the second and final round, they will face tough competition from the reigning African champions, the Banyana Banyana of South Africa. The upcoming qualifiers come on the heels of a challenging year in 2024, during which the team struggled to secure victories. In fact, they faced six defeats in six matches, leading to a year filled with disappointment and setbacks.
In an exclusive interview with the vice-captain, Bénie Kubiena, she reflected on the team’s performance in 2024 and the challenges they faced. When asked about the lack of success in the previous year, Bénie acknowledged that there were issues with cohesion among the players, which impacted their performance on the field. Despite their struggles, she remained optimistic about the upcoming CAN qualifiers, emphasizing the importance of unity and determination in achieving success.
As the team prepares for the upcoming matches against Botswana and potentially South Africa, Bénie highlighted the importance of effective communication and defensive coordination. She acknowledged that there were areas for improvement in their defensive strategy but remained confident in their ability to rise to the occasion and compete at the highest level.
When asked about the significance of participating in the CAN after 12 years, Bénie expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. She emphasized the joy of representing the Democratic Republic of Congo on the continental stage and the pride that comes with competing against the best teams in Africa.
Despite the absence of head coach Papy Kimoto, Bénie shared that the team had adapted well to the guidance of the assistant coaches in his stead. She noted that while there were areas for growth and development within the team, they were committed to working together and striving for success in the upcoming qualifiers.
Looking ahead to the challenges that lie ahead, Bénie expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and readiness to face any opponent. With a focus on fearlessness and determination, she emphasized the team’s commitment to giving their all on the field and striving for a second consecutive qualification to the CAN.
In conclusion, Bénie Kubiena’s insights offer a glimpse into the mindset and determination of the Leopards Ladies as they gear up for the upcoming qualifiers. With a mix of experience, resilience, and optimism, the team is poised to make a statement in the upcoming matches and showcase their talent on the continental stage.