AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Zimbabwe vs DR Congo preview, key stats, team news and Group E standings

Zimbabwe and DR Congo will put their winning starts to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on the line when they meet in their second Group E fixture.

Both sides opened their campaigns with victories and enter the contest with enough attacking form to suggest another entertaining encounter. Their recent defensive records, however, point to vulnerabilities at the other end, making goals a strong possibility when the Warriors face the Leopards.

Zimbabwe have found the net in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions, while DR Congo have scored in seven of their previous nine. Neither side has been equally convincing defensively, with Zimbabwe conceding in seven of their last 10 games and DR Congo shipping goals in five of their last six.

The two nations have met four times previously, with each recording one victory and the other two encounters ending in draws. Their most recent meeting came at the 2019 AFCON, when DR Congo produced a commanding 4-0 victory in the group stage.

Zimbabwe riding a strong run

The Warriors arrive with considerable confidence after producing a remarkable comeback against Sierra Leone in their opening qualifier.

Zimbabwe trailed 2-0 at half-time but overturned the deficit after the break to claim a 3-2 away victory. Marshall Munetsi scored twice, while Tawanda Chirewa also found the net as the Warriors completed an impressive recovery.

The result extended Zimbabwe’s strong recent run, with the side winning four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Manager Ramon Catala will be encouraged by the character shown by his players, although he will expect a more controlled performance against DR Congo. The Warriors have consistently demonstrated their ability to score, finding the net in nine of their last 10 outings.

Their defensive record remains a concern, however. Zimbabwe have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of those 10 matches, leaving them vulnerable against a DR Congo side that also possesses considerable attacking quality.

Munetsi and Chirewa are expected to retain their attacking roles after making decisive contributions in the opening game. Marvelous Nakamba should continue in midfield, while Kevin Moyo is set to keep his place in the defensive line.

Zimbabwe are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Elvis Chipezeze in goal and Munashe Garananga, Moyo and Shane Maroodza in defence. Nakamba and Andy Rinomhota should anchor midfield, with Tawanda Maswanhise, Munetsi and Chirewa operating behind Thandolwenkosi Ngewenya.

Leopards arrive with confidence

DR Congo also made a winning start, defeating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 at home.

Chancel Mbemba opened the scoring before Yoane Wissa added a second after the interval, securing three points in a match where the Leopards were largely comfortable.

That victory extended a positive spell for DR Congo, who have now avoided defeat in six of their last nine matches across all competitions.

Their attacking numbers have also remained encouraging. The Leopards have scored in seven of their last nine games, with Wissa among the players expected to provide the main threat in the final third.

There are similarities between the two teams, though, particularly in defence. DR Congo have conceded in five of their last six matches, suggesting Zimbabwe could find opportunities if they can exploit spaces in the Leopards’ backline.

There are no injury or suspension concerns from their opening qualifier, allowing the team to maintain a settled look.

Wissa should lead the attack, while Edo Kayembe is expected to continue in midfield. Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe are also set to retain their central defensive partnership.

DR Congo are expected to use a 4-4-2 formation, with Matthiew Epolo in goal, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku forming the defence. Theo Bongonda, Samuel Moutoussamy, Kayembe and Nathanael Mbuku should operate across midfield, with Wissa and Noah Sadiki leading the line.

With both teams carrying three points into the fixture, the Group E meeting offers an early opportunity for one side to strengthen its position while maintaining momentum in the race for AFCON 2027 qualification.