The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team, the Leopards, are preparing for a decisive clash against Liberia’s Lone Stars on Sunday, March 24, in the 6th and final matchday of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Group G remains wide open, with all four teams still in contention for a place at the tournament in Egypt this summer.
Zimbabwe leads the group with 8 points and hosts bottom-placed Congo in Harare. For the Red Devils, a win is mandatory, but even that may not be enough—they also need the Leopards to drop points against Liberia. The Leopards, however, are not thinking in terms of calculations. Sitting third in the group with 6 points, they are focused entirely on their own match. Victory is the only objective; anything less would mean elimination.
DR Congo coach Jean-Florent Ibenge has emphasized trust in his players, leaving tactical decisions about Sunday’s encounter largely to them. “This is a crucial, important match that will decide our fate. We must qualify. We must be highly determined,” Ibenge told Foot CD. He also highlighted the potential advantage of a supportive home crowd: “Everywhere we’ve played, we’ve seen packed stadiums. If the Martyrs Stadium is filled with the colors of our flag, I think we’ll get a good result.”
The Leopards are determined to carry out their usual approach: attacking and playing to win, regardless of the group standings. The stakes could not be higher—this match represents the culmination of months of preparation and the last opportunity for DR Congo to secure a spot at the continent’s premier football tournament.
Liberia, currently second in the group with 7 points, will also be pushing for a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. For the Leopards, the challenge is clear: a positive result is essential to ensure they do not rely on other outcomes. Key players have voiced their readiness to step up, while the team collectively understands the weight of the occasion.
Sunday’s match promises intensity, given the narrow point margins and the fact that every team in Group G still has a mathematical chance of qualifying. The Leopards will look to harness both their home advantage and the experience of their squad to navigate this high-pressure encounter.
Ultimately, the encounter between DR Congo and Liberia could be one of the defining moments of the qualifiers, shaping which teams advance to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. For the Leopards, it is simple: focus on their own performance, play with determination, and leave nothing to chance. Victory will not only secure qualification but also restore national pride and mark a successful conclusion to a hard-fought campaign.
