DR Congo strengthen CAN 2027 hopes with emphatic win over Sierra Leone

The Democratic Republic of the Congo moved closer to qualification for the CAN 2027 finals with a convincing 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone in Kinshasa.

Playing at the Stade des Martyrs in the third round of qualifying, the Leopards produced a dominant display in front of their home supporters to maintain their position at the top of the group.

Sebastien Desabre’s side made the perfect start, taking the lead after only three minutes. Yoane Wissa finished from Nathanael Mbuku’s pass to give the hosts an early advantage.

The goal set the tone for a first half in which DR Congo controlled possession, competed strongly in the challenges and repeatedly threatened the Sierra Leone defence.

Their pressure brought a second goal in the 36th minute. Samuel Moutoussamy doubled the lead with a superb strike into the top corner, sending the Leopards into half-time with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

Kayembe adds third for dominant Leopards

There was no change in DR Congo’s approach after the interval as they continued to dictate the game and keep Sierra Leone on the defensive.

The home side extended their lead in the 58th minute following another well-constructed attack. Arthur Masuaku created the opening with excellent work before pulling the ball back for Edo Kayembe, who calmly adjusted his finish beyond the visiting goalkeeper.

The third goal reflected the quality of DR Congo’s collective play and appeared to put the result beyond doubt.

The Leopards then managed the closing stages of the match and made several changes to their team. However, Sierra Leone found a way through in the 83rd minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1 from a corner.

The goal did not alter the outcome, but it served as a reminder that DR Congo cannot afford to ease off, even with a substantial lead. Sierra Leone had otherwise struggled to unsettle a home team that was superior across the pitch.

All three of DR Congo’s goals came from well-worked moves, underlining the effectiveness of Desabre’s side on an impressive evening in Kinshasa.

The result strengthens the Leopards’ hold on first place and allows them to continue their qualification campaign with confidence. Their next task will be another meeting with Sierra Leone, this time in the return fixture.

The teams will face each other again on Tuesday 17 November in the fifth round of qualifying. The match will be played in Morocco at a neutral venue because no stadium in Sierra Leone has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to stage international matches.

DR Congo will now look to build on this performance away from home as they seek to move closer to a place at the CAN 2027 finals.