Zimbabwe vs DR Congo AFCON Qualifier Preview
Zimbabwe and DR Congo will be looking to build on wins in their opening fixture when they meet in their second Group E clash in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Both teams have shown attacking quality lately, and with the defences a little shaky, goals can be expected here.
Key Stats
- Zimbabwe have scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Zimbabwe have conceded in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- DR Congo have scored in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions
- DR Congo have conceded in five of their last six matches in all competitions.
A Win Each
Zimbabwe and DR Congo have picked one win each, with two draws from four previous matches. The most recent meeting was an AFCON group stage clash in 2019, with the Leopards claiming a 4-0 victory.
Solid Start for Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe began their qualifying campaign with a 3-2 away win over Sierra Leone. The Warriors fought back from two goals down at the break, with a scored half brace from Marshall Munetsi and a Tawanda Chirewa effort earning them the win.
Manager Ramon Catala will be pleased with the fighting spirit of his team but will hope for a smoother outing on Monday. The result is also part of a solid run of form for Zimbabwe, who have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
Zimbabwe showed their attacking quality against Sierra Leone and have also scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have shown some defensive vulnerability, failing to keep a clean sheet in seven of those 10 fixtures.
DR Congo still Looking Confident
DR Congo also claimed a win in their opening fixture, easing to a 2-0 home victory over Equatorial Guinea. They were largely untroubled throughout the contest, with goals in each half from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa securing the three points.
The result is part of a string of fine showings for DR Congo, who are playing with confidence at the moment. The Leopards are now unbeaten in six of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Goals have not been a problem for DR Congo, who have scored in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions. However, the defence needs some work, having conceded in five of their last six fixtures in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Zimbabwe (4-2-3-1): Elvis Chipezeze; Munashe Garananga, Kevin Moyo, Shane Maroodza; Marvelous Nakamba, Andy Rinomhota; Tawanda Maswanhise, Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa; Thandolwenkosi Ngewenya.
Munetsi and Chirewa should continue in attack for Zimbabwe after both men got the goals in the opening fixture. Marvelous Nakamba should feature in midfield while Kevin Moyo is expected to retain his place at the back.
DR Congo (4-4-2): Matthiew Epolo; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Theo Bongonda, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathanael Mbuku; Yoane Wissa, Noah Sadiki.
DR Congo have no injuries or suspensions from the opening game, and Wissa is expected to feature in attack as always. Edo Kayembe should line up in midfield while Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe are set to continue their central defensive partnership.