DR Congo faces Zambia in key AFCON warm-up in Spain

The Democratic Republic of Congo will take on Zambia this Tuesday in a final preparation match ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The friendly, set to take place at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain, will begin at 4 PM Kinshasa and France time (GMT+1), offering both teams a last competitive outing before the continental tournament.

The match, expected to be played behind closed doors, is unlikely to be broadcast live.

Despite the absence of a viewing option for fans, the fixture holds significant importance for both squads as they look to build confidence and finalize tactical plans ahead of AFCON.

For DR Congo, this encounter provides an essential opportunity to assess the readiness of the squad.

The Leopards, drawn in Group D, will kick off their campaign on December 23 against Benin.

The team’s preparation in Alicante, Spain, has gradually intensified, with key players arriving steadily.

Captain Chancel Mbemba, with 99 caps and seven goals for his country, was among the last to join on Monday.

This fixture will mark his second meeting with Zambia, adding valuable experience to the Leopards’ defensive organization.

Historically, matches between DR Congo and Zambia have been tightly contested.

Since 2005, the two nations have clashed seven times, resulting in one win apiece and five draws.

Their most recent encounter ended in a 1-1 draw on January 17, 2024, during the first round of the previous Africa Cup of Nations.

Such familiarity makes this friendly an ideal opportunity for both sides to test strategies and refine their squads.

⏳ 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 C
Nos Léopards Mardi 16 /12 16h00 (hr de Kin ) Stade Pinatar Arena, Murcie Un nouveau test pour le groupe dans cette phase de préparation, avec l’envie de continuer à monter en puissance et d’affirmer notre identité de jeu. #RDC #RDCongo pic.twitter.com/XHlz4uVtLa

— Compte Officiel de Léopards (@fecofa_kinshasa) December 15, 2025

DR Congo enters the game with momentum, having eliminated Cameroon and Nigeria in the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup last November.

Their performance in these qualifiers demonstrated the team’s depth and resilience, positioning them as serious contenders for continental success.

At the last AFCON, the Leopards reached the semi-finals before finishing fourth following a penalty shootout defeat to South Africa in the third-place match.

Zambia, meanwhile, will use the friendly to integrate new players and assess tactical options under competitive conditions.

Both teams aim to carry confidence and match sharpness into the tournament, with the match in Murcia serving as a final rehearsal before heading to Morocco.

While fans may miss the opportunity to watch live, the DR Congo vs. Zambia friendly remains a critical test for coaches, allowing them to finalize lineups, assess fitness, and make last-minute adjustments before the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21.