Zimbabwe and DR Congo meet at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday, 28 September 2026, with both sides seeking to build on victories in the opening round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying.
The Leopards produced the more convincing performance in their first match, beating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in front of 20,000 supporters at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, came from two goals down to defeat Sierra Leone 3-2 in a match played in Morocco.
Chancel Mbemba headed DR Congo in front from a free-kick in the fourth minute, setting the tone for a dominant display under Sebastien Desabre. Nathanael Mbuku and Noah Sadiki combined effectively on the left as the Leopards created repeated openings.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sadiki both hit the bar before Yoane Wissa settled the contest in the 76th minute, after being played in by the Aston Villa right-back. DR Congo had 58% possession and recorded 16 shots to Equatorial Guinea’s five.
The result extended their strong away record, with five wins in their past six away matches in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying. Their only defeat in that run came in Guinea.
Zimbabwe appeared to be heading for defeat after Alie Conteh scored in the seventh minute and Sallieu Tarawallie doubled Sierra Leone’s lead in the 27th. But Marshall Munetsi scored twice, in the 72nd and 89th minutes, either side of Tawanda Chirewa’s 77th-minute goal, to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The Warriors, coached by Spaniard Ramon Catala, qualified for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations but were eliminated in the group stage with one point. They now face the strongest team in Group E, while their recent home record is a concern: they have won only one of their past 10 home matches in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying, drawing six and losing three.
The head-to-head record is even, with Zimbabwe and DR Congo each winning twice and one match ending in a draw.
Zimbabwe’s recent form is VDNDDN in official matches and VVDVVD in all competitions. DR Congo’s records are VDVDN and VDVDN respectively.
Munetsi will again be central to Zimbabwe’s plans. The Wolverhampton midfielder is the key link in Catala’s side, combining his work in possession recovery with the ability to break defensive lines. Marvelous Nakamba of Panetolikos, formerly of Aston Villa, could support him.
Desabre is expected to name a similar side to the one that beat Equatorial Guinea, provided his players are fit. Matthieu Epolo impressed on his debut and appears to have taken the goalkeeper’s place while first-choice Lionel Mpasi continues his lengthy recovery.
Dylan Batubinsika and Paris Maghoma are unavailable after the opening match, while Henock Inonga Baka has been called up as defensive cover. Neither absent player started the first game. Ngal’ayel Mukau, Brian Cipenga and Fiston Mayele are alternatives if changes are made.
Probable Zimbabwe XI: Elvis Chipezeze – Sean Fusire, Kevin Moyo, Munashe Garananga, Shane Maroodza – Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota – Tawanda Chirewa, Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Maswanhise.
Probable DR Congo XI: Matthieu Epolo – Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku – Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Edo Kayembe – Nathanael Mbuku, Yoane Wissa, Theo Bongonda.
DR Congo are ranked 41st by FIFA, almost 90 places above Zimbabwe in 130th. Their away form and opening performance make the Leopards favourites, while Zimbabwe’s home record and narrow escape against Sierra Leone point to a difficult evening in Harare.