D.R. Congo cruise past Sierra Leone to maintain perfect start in AFCON 2027 qualifiers

D.R. Congo continued their impressive start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone to strengthen their position at the top of Group E.

The Leopards scored three times through Yoane Wissa, Samuel Moutoussamy and Edo Kayembe before Sierra Leone grabbed a late consolation goal through Samoel Bekoe.

The victory means D.R. Congo have collected nine points from their opening three matches, maintaining a perfect record in their quest to secure qualification for the continental tournament.

Wissa gives D.R. Congo early advantage

D.R. Congo made an immediate impact, taking the lead just four minutes into the encounter.

Yoane Wissa opened the scoring after being set up by Nathanael Mbuku, giving the Leopards an early advantage.

The Congolese side continued to control proceedings and were rewarded for their attacking efforts in the 35th minute when Samuel Moutoussamy found the back of the net to double their lead.

D.R. Congo went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

Kayembe adds third as Sierra Leone struggle

The Leopards maintained their dominance after the restart and extended their advantage in the 58th minute.

Edo Kayembe completed the scoring for D.R. Congo with their third goal of the match, benefiting from an assist by Arthur Masuaku.

Sierra Leone managed to find a response in the 83rd minute when Samoel Bekoe scored to reduce the deficit.

However, the late goal proved insufficient to inspire a comeback as D.R. Congo held on to secure a 3-1 victory.

D.R. Congo strengthen grip on Group E

The result leaves D.R. Congo top of Group E with nine points from three matches, having won all their opening fixtures.

Sierra Leone, meanwhile, remain without a victory and sit bottom of the standings with no points, leaving their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON in a difficult position.