DR Congo began their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Chancel Mbemba put the hosts ahead after only four minutes, heading in from a free-kick as the Leopards made a fast start. They dominated possession and created enough opportunities to have settled the contest earlier, but both Wan Bissaka and Noah Sadiki struck the woodwork.
Yoane Wissa eventually ended any uncertainty in the 73rd minute, giving Sebastien Desabre’s side a strong position ahead of Monday’s second qualifying fixture against Zimbabwe.
The Newcastle forward scored after a good lay-off from Wan Bissaka, battling his way into the penalty area before finishing to make it 2-0.
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Owono later had to rush from his area to challenge Wissa, who was stopped as he attempted to break through. The referee decided the forward had initiated the contact and awarded no foul.
The visitors had few clear openings, although DR Congo goalkeeper made an important close-range save from Zuniga after a free-kick by Ganet. At another stage, a late foul by an Equatorial Guinea player led to a brief confrontation before both players were separated.
Mukau also found Wissa with an excellent pass inside the box, but the resulting cut-back was blocked. Equatorial Guinea introduced Enrique Esono and Gael Joel Akogo for Dorian Hanza and Santiago Eneme, while another dangerous cross from the visitors was dealt with by the home defence.
A crowd of 20,000 was permitted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following improvement works at the Stade des Martyrs. The supporters saw a DR Congo team led by established figures including Wissa, Mbemba and Sadiki.
The result strengthens the confidence around a side whose progress was highlighted by their 2026 World Cup campaign. DR Congo reached the round of 32 at a World Cup for the first time after impressing in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their run ended narrowly with a 2-1 defeat by England, but the performance under French coach Desabre underlined the team’s development.
Desabre has retained a settled core while using the international break to broaden his options. Fourteen new players were called up across two squads, although some are intended only for the friendly matches against Uganda. Kevin Pedro, Jordy Makengo, Willy Kambwala and Ezechiel Banzuzi were among those who could make their senior debuts against Equatorial Guinea.
DR Congo were without the injured Lionel Mpasi, while Cedric Bakambu was left with his new club, San Diego FC.
Equatorial Guinea arrived in considerably poorer form after losing all three of their matches at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, against Burkina Faso, Sudan and Algeria.
The two countries previously met at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, when DR Congo won the third-place play-off on penalties.