The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will host Ethiopia in their concluding match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa. Scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. kickoff, the encounter marks the final fixture of Group I, with the DRC already securing their spot in Morocco for next year’s tournament.
Under the guidance of head coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards approach the game with a sense of confidence and less pressure, having clinched qualification earlier in the campaign.
The match provides an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their tactics and reinforce their dominance in the group.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, will look to leave the qualifiers on a high note, aiming for a respectable performance against the group leaders.
DRC’s Starting XI
Head coach Desabre has named a strong starting lineup for the match, blending experience with youth to maintain momentum ahead of the main tournament.
Starting Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Joël Kiassumbua
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba, Glody Ngonda, Arsène Zola, Issama Mpeko
Midfielders: Samuel Moutoussamy, Gaël Kakuta, Aaron Tshibola
Forwards: Cédric Bakambu, Dieumerci Mbokani, Yannick Bolasie
Match Preview
The DRC’s qualification journey has been marked by solid performances and a commanding presence in Group I.
Players like Chancel Mbemba and Gaël Kakuta have been instrumental in the team’s success, bringing leadership and creativity to the squad.
With Ethiopia as their final hurdle, the Leopards will aim to deliver an entertaining performance for the home crowd.
Ethiopia, despite their struggles throughout the qualifiers, will hope to test the DRC’s defensive line and showcase their potential.
While they have no chance of progressing to Morocco 2025, the visitors will be motivated to make their mark against one of Africa’s top sides.
Outlook
The match promises to be an exciting affair, with the DRC eager to end their qualifying campaign on a high and Ethiopia looking to prove their mettle.
For Desabre’s team, this fixture serves as an opportunity to solidify strategies and assess the squad’s depth ahead of next year’s tournament.
Fans in Kinshasa will be expecting a commanding performance from the Leopards, who are not only playing to win but also to send a message of readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in Morocco.
