The Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, the Leopards, continued their impressive form in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, defeating Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare on September 29, 2026. The win marked their second consecutive victory in the qualifiers, with the team taking sole control of Group E with six points. The Leopards' coach, Sébastien Desabre, made several changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of Junior Kadile, who made his debut.
The Leopards dominated the match from the start, with the Zimbabwean team struggling to cope with their opponents' pace and organization. The Congolese team's pressure eventually paid off in the 30th minute when Wissa scored the opening goal, following an error by Zimbabwe's Elvis Chipezeze. Wissa's goal was his second in the qualifiers, taking his total tally to 14 goals with the Leopards.
The Leopards continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded when Samuel Moutoussamy doubled the lead just before halftime. The Zimbabwean team pushed hard for a comeback in the second half, but the Congolese defense held firm, with goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo making several crucial saves. The Leopards' victory marked their first-ever win on Zimbabwean soil.
Despite a late consolation goal from Marshall Munetsi, the Leopards held on to secure the win and top spot in Group E. The team's next challenge will be a double-header against Sierra Leone in November, where they will look to take a significant step towards qualifying for the CAN 2027 finals. In the meantime, the team will play two friendly matches against Uganda in South Africa.
The Leopards' impressive form has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, with Wissa being hailed as a key player in the team's success. The team's victory over Zimbabwe was marked by a moment of silence in memory of the victims of a tragic plane crash that occurred in Kenge. The crash was a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by the team and the nation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has been making waves in African football, with their recent performances earning them a spot in the top 40 of the FIFA rankings. The team's coach, Sébastien Desabre, has been praised for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players. The Leopards' fans will be eagerly anticipating their next matches, hoping that the team will continue their winning form.
The CAN 2027 qualifiers have been marked by several upsets and surprises, with some of the continent's top teams struggling to secure wins. The Democratic Republic of Congo's victory over Zimbabwe was one of the standout results of the matchday, and it has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the qualifiers. The Leopards will look to build on their momentum as they take on Sierra Leone in November.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team, the Leopards, secured a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in a CAN 2027 qualifier, maintaining their perfect record in the competition.
