Congo DR vs Sierra Leone

While the hosts have actually taped wins from their opening 2 trips, the visitors make the journey still looking for their very first point.

Match sneak peek

Following a reputable World Cup project that ended in a last-32 exit to England, Congo DR started their mission to reach a 4th successive significant competition by beating Equatorial Guinea (2-0) and Zimbabwe (2-1) in September.

These outcomes saw Sebastien Desabre’s males open a three-point benefit at the top of Group E in the AFCON qualifiers, where numerous have actually backed them to end up very first provided their status as the group’s highest-ranked side by FIFA.

Les Leopards saw their momentum examined in October’s back-to-back friendly matches versus Uganda, suffering a 2-0 defeat before a 1-1 draw 3 days later on, with both matches played in Johannesburg.

Now looking for to duplicate their strong start from the previous African certifying project, which saw them win each of their opening 4 matches, Congo DR deal with a Sierra Leone side they have actually beaten in each of the last 3 encounters, consisting of both conferences in the 2015 qualifiers

Having actually begun the year on a sour note following their AFCON exit to Algeria, Thursday’s hosts will wish to end 2026 on a high.

Success in their penultimate trip would protect 3 successive competitive wins for the very first time given that December and provide a mental blow to Sierra Leone ahead of their rematch in El Jadida next Tuesday.

Selected in June to craft a turn-around, Didier Gomes Da Rosa has actually sustained a challenging start to his Sierra Leone period, suffering 2 beats from as lots of matches- the very first of which saw his side misuse a two-goal lead versus Zimbabwe in a 3-2 loss.

That marked a 3rd successive loss for the Leone Stars, who now take a trip to Kinshasa intending to prevent 4 straight beats in all competitors for the very first time given that June 15; a run that consisted of a 3-1 loss to their upcoming challengers.

Sierra Leone have actually not included at an AFCON competition because 2021, and their hopes of ending that dry spell have actually decreased considerably as they sit bottom of Group E ahead of the double-header versus Congo DR.

Sierra Leone’s last competitive triumph came versus Djibouti in October 2025, so self-confidence is low within the camp. The West Africans should reveal strength over the next couple of days to keep their currently faint AFCON hopes alive.

A favorable start on Thursday would offer a much-needed platform for the visitors to develop on, however provided Congo DR have actually scored the opening objective in 4 of their last 5 matches, Sierra Leone will require to be particularly alert early on.

Congo DR Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying type:

Congo DR kind (all competitors):

Sierra Leone Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying type:

Sierra Leone type (all competitors):

Group News

With first-choice goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau still sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury, Matthieu Epolo is anticipated to keep his location in objective.

Aston Villa full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka likewise stays not available through injury, so Gedeon Kalulu need to continue to deputise at right-back, as he did versus Uganda.

Captain Chancel Mbemba is surrounding his 120th cap for the hosts and continues to extend his record as the country’s all-time looks leader.

In spite of scoring simply when in 27 looks this season, Malachi Jones has actually been called by Sierra Leone and might make his global launching.

Thirty-one-year-old Sallieu Tarawallie has actually been straight associated with 3 objectives in his last 4 trips for the away side and is one to watch on.

Congo DR possible beginning lineup:

Epolo; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kalulu; Kadile, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Mbuku; Wissa, Bakambu

Sierra Leone possible beginning lineup:

Jalloh; Tarawallie, Bah, Turay; Fornah, Kanu, Koroma, S Kamara, Kakay; Conteh, M Kamara

We state: Congo DR 2-0 Sierra Leone

Congo DR have a genuine chance to move within touching range of AFCON credentials, and a win on Thursday is borderline non-negotiable

We anticipate Desabre’s guys to finish the job and extend their best record versus Sierra Leone.

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