DR Congo face closed-doors home match in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

DR Congo are expected to play their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Equatorial Guinea behind closed doors at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on 24 September.

The Leopards will gather next Monday for the first time in the 2026-27 season before hosting the Nzalang Nacional. They will then travel to Harare to face Zimbabwe on 29 September, also in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

A friendly double-header against Uganda will follow on 2 and 5 October, although the venues for those matches have yet to be confirmed.

Journalist Djastro Mubemba reported that the match against Equatorial Guinea would be played without supporters because the Stade des Martyrs has only received partial approval while rehabilitation work continues.

The Federation congolaise de football association (Fecofa) has not yet made an official statement on the matter.

If confirmed, the decision would be a major disappointment for DR Congo, who had hoped to reconnect with their supporters after returning to the World Cup two months ago.

Stadium work continues

Renovation work at the Stade des Martyrs began in February to bring the stadium in line with international standards and secure full approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The planned improvements include replacing the playing surface with a certified pitch, modernising the dressing rooms and media areas, repairing sanitary and security facilities, and installing a second giant screen.

CAF suspended approval for the ground in January after identifying defective sanitary infrastructure, insufficient medical equipment and several other technical shortcomings.

The stadium, which can hold about 80,000 spectators, had its suspension partially lifted this month ahead of the international break. It was granted category-three approval, which means matches can be staged there but without fans.

DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre called on Friday for supporters to be allowed to attend the fixture, pointing to the backing the team received during the World Cup.

“I think the public, given the support and passion they showed us during the World Cup, deserve to see these players in action,” he said at a news conference.

That appeal is not currently expected to change the situation, with the stadium’s full approval still pending while the renovation programme remains incomplete.