AFCON 2015 Qualifiers: DR Congo and Cameroon Clash in Crucial Group D Opener
The road to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations continues with a high-stakes encounter between DR Congo and Cameroon in Group D—widely dubbed the “Group of Death.” The match kicked off at 12:00 GMT on Saturday, marking a key test for both nations in a pool that also includes tournament heavyweights Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.
The encounter, hosted in Lubumbashi, is set to play a significant role in shaping the group’s dynamics, with only the top two teams guaranteed progression to the final tournament in Morocco.
Team Lineups:
DR Congo, under the guidance of coach Florent Ibengé, started with experienced shot-stopper Robert Kidiaba in goal. The defense features Cedric Mongongu and Chancel Mbemba at the heart of the backline, with Jean Kasusula and Joel Kimwaki unavailable due to injury. Youssouf Mulumbu marshals the midfield alongside Cedric Makiadi and Gabriel Zakuani, while the attacking threat comes from pacey wingers Yannick Bolasie and Deo Kanda, with Mubele spearheading the attack.
DR Congo Starting XI:
Kidiaba – Mpeko, Mongongu, Mbemba, Ebunga – Zola, Mulumbu, Makiadi – Mabwati, Bolasie, Mubele
Cameroon, meanwhile, are in a rebuilding phase following their disappointing World Cup campaign. New coach Volker Finke has turned to a youthful squad, with Barcelona B’s teenage goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa between the sticks. Captain Stéphane Mbia lines up in defense with Nicolas Nkoulou, while the midfield sees the return of Eyong Enoh and Georges Mandjeck. In attack, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Vincent Aboubakar are expected to provide firepower.
Cameroon Starting XI:
Ondoa – Mbia, Nkoulou, Guihota, Oyongo – Enoh, Mandjeck – Njie, Choupo-Moting, Moukandjo – Aboubakar
High Stakes in the Group of Death
With Ivory Coast expected to top the group, this fixture takes on added importance. Both DR Congo and Cameroon will be desperate to avoid an early setback. For the Leopards, home advantage may prove critical, especially given their injury concerns and relatively short squad list due to last-minute withdrawals.
Cameroon, however, are hoping a new generation of talent can begin a new era for the Indomitable Lions, one that moves beyond the controversies and disappointments of recent years.
This fixture marks not just a battle for three points, but a chance for both nations to make a statement of intent on their path to Morocco 2015.
Stay tuned to Africa Top Sports for live coverage and updates from all the qualifiers.
