Wissa stars as DR Congo edge Zimbabwe to stay top of AFCON 2027 group

DR Congo maintained their perfect start to the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Zimbabwe on Monday.

The Leopards have now won both of their Group E matches and sit alone at the top with six points. Their latest success followed a 2-0 home win against Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture.

Yoane Wissa put DR Congo ahead after 30 minutes, finishing a strong start from the visitors. The forward then turned provider in first-half stoppage time, setting up Samuel Moutoussamy to double the lead in the 45th+2 minute.

Zimbabwe responded with greater urgency after the interval as they looked for a way back into the match. The Warriors eventually reduced the deficit through Marshall Munetsi in the 90th+3 minute, but the late goal came too late to deny DR Congo a second successive victory.

The statistics reflected a closely contested game. DR Congo had 50.8% possession and registered 13 attempts, with four on target. Zimbabwe held 49.2% of the ball and managed 12 shots, six of which tested the visitors’ goalkeeper.

The home side also won the corner count, earning six compared with one for DR Congo.

The Leopards were more competitive in the challenges but committed 16 fouls, while Zimbabwe were penalised six times. Despite sustained pressure during the closing stages, DR Congo held on to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

With two wins from two matches, DR Congo lead Group E as the race for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations continues.