Wissa and Mbemba give DR Congo winning start in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

DR Congo began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Thursday.

Chancel Mbemba put the Leopards ahead after only four minutes, heading in from a free-kick. DR Congo controlled the match for long periods and could have settled the contest earlier, but Wan Bissaka and Noah Sadiki both struck the woodwork.

Yoane Wissa eventually ended any uncertainty in the 73rd minute, taking advantage of a good lay-off from Wan Bissaka before battling his way into the area and scoring DR Congo’s second goal.

The hosts had already threatened several times before then. Mukau found Wissa in space inside the penalty area, although his cut-back was blocked, while another dangerous cross was cleared away.

Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Owono also made a crucial intervention when he rushed out to tackle Wissa outside the box. Earlier, he had produced an important save from Zuniga at close range after Ganet’s free-kick.

The game briefly became heated after a late foul by an Equatorial Guinea player, though the two players involved were quickly separated. The visitors also appealed for a decision after an incident involving their winger, but the referee judged that he had initiated the contact and allowed play to continue.

Enrique Esono and Gael Joel Akogo were introduced for Dorian Hanza and Santiago Eneme as Equatorial Guinea attempted to respond.

The result gives Sebastien Desabre’s side an ideal start before their second qualifying match against Zimbabwe on Monday.

The Confederation of African Football authorised a capacity of 20,000 at the Stade des Martyrs following upgrade work at the stadium. That provided strong backing for a DR Congo side featuring established players including Wissa, Mbemba and Sadiki.

DR Congo’s campaign began with confidence boosted by their performance at the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards reached the last 16 for the first time, making an impression in the United States, Canada and Mexico, before narrowly losing 2-1 to England.

Desabre has retained a settled core while using the international break to broaden his squad. Fourteen new players were selected across two squads, although some are involved only in the friendly matches against Uganda. Kevin Pedro, Jordy Makengo, Willy Kambwala and Ezechiel Banzuzi were among those who could make their senior international debuts against Equatorial Guinea.

DR Congo were without Lionel Mpasi, who is seriously injured, while Cedric Bakambu was left with his new club, San Diego FC.

Equatorial Guinea arrived in less encouraging form after losing all three of their matches at the last Africa Cup of Nations, against Burkina Faso, Sudan and Algeria. The two nations previously met at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, when DR Congo won the third-place play-off on penalties.