Zimbabwe v DR Congo: Can the Leopards make it two wins from two in AFCON qualifying?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe meet at Harare’s National Sports Stadium on Monday, with both sides looking to build on victories in their opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Leopards were considerably more convincing in their first outing, beating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in front of 20,000 supporters at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, came from two goals down to defeat Sierra Leone 3-2 in a game played in Morocco.

The match is the Group E leaders’ clash, although DR Congo must contend with playing away from home.

Sebastien Desabre’s side took control against Equatorial Guinea when Chancel Mbemba headed in from a free-kick after four minutes. DR Congo continued to dominate, with Nathanael Mbuku and Noah Sadiki combining effectively down the left.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sadiki both hit the crossbar before Yoane Wissa sealed the result in the 76th minute, finishing after being set up by the Aston Villa right-back. The Leopards had 58% possession and registered 16 shots to Equatorial Guinea’s five.

DR Congo will travel to Zimbabwe with confidence, having won five of their past six away matches in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying. Their only defeat in that run came in Guinea.

Zimbabwe’s opening victory required a major recovery. Alie Conteh put Sierra Leone ahead in the seventh minute before Sallieu Tarawallie doubled the lead after 27 minutes. The Warriors appeared set for defeat before turning the game around during the final 20 minutes.

Wolverhampton midfielder Marshall Munetsi scored in the 72nd and 89th minutes, either side of Tawanda Chirewa’s 77th-minute goal, to complete a notable comeback. Zimbabwe, who featured at the last Africa Cup of Nations and were eliminated in the first round with one point, know they face the strongest opponent in the group.

Their recent home record in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying offers little encouragement. The Warriors have won only one of their past 10 home matches in those competitions, drawing six and losing three. The head-to-head record is more evenly balanced, with two wins for each team and one draw.

Zimbabwe’s recent form in competitive matches is VDNDDN and across all competitions is VVDVVD. DR Congo’s corresponding records are VDVDN and VDVDN.

Munetsi is likely to be central to Zimbabwe’s hopes. Beyond his match-winning double, the Wolverhampton midfielder has become a key part of Ramon Catala’s team, combining defensive strength with the ability to break through opposition lines. Marvelous Nakamba of Panetolikos, formerly of Aston Villa, can support him in midfield.

Desabre is expected to retain much of the team that impressed against Equatorial Guinea, provided the players are physically able to feature. Matthieu Epolo made a convincing debut and appears to have established himself as the starting goalkeeper while first choice Lionel Mpasi continues his lengthy recovery.

Central defender Dylan Batubinsika and midfielder Paris Maghoma are unavailable after the opening match. Henock Inonga Baka, a regular international, has been called up as cover. Neither absent player featured in the first game, however, and neither is regarded as a first-choice starter.

Ngal’ayel Mukau, Brian Cipenga and Fiston Mayele are among the players who could come into the starting XI if changes are made.

Probable Zimbabwe XI: Elvis Chipezeze; Sean Fusire, Kevin Moyo, Munashe Garananga, Shane Maroodza; Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota; Tawanda Chirewa, Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Maswanhise.

Probable DR Congo XI: Matthieu Epolo; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Edo Kayembe; Nathanael Mbuku, Yoane Wissa, Theo Bongonda.

DR Congo are ranked 41st by FIFA, almost 90 places above Zimbabwe in 130th. With the Leopards’ strong recent away record in Africa and Zimbabwe’s difficulties at home, the visitors enter Monday’s match as favourites.