The Democratic Republic of Congo spoiled Zimbabwe's homecoming by winning a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier 2-1 in Harare on Monday. Yoane Wissa, a 30-year-old Newcastle United striker, scored the first goal and created the second as DR Congo secured their second win in Group E. The match was played at the 60,000-capacity National Sports Stadium, which had undergone lengthy renovations, including to the pitch, after being deemed unsuitable for international fixtures.
Wissa scored on 30 minutes by poking a loose ball into the net after goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze allowed a cross to slip from his grasp. DR Congo went further ahead in first-half added time when a Wissa pass sent Samuel Moutoussamy through to score from inside the box. The visitors could have extended their lead, with Wissa hitting a first-half shot that beat Chipezeze only to trickle narrowly wide and striking the woodwork just past the hour mark.
Zimbabwe improved after half-time, having been outplayed in the opening half by a team 89 places higher in the world rankings. The hosts pushed hard for a consolation goal, and Marshall Munetsi scored in the 93rd minute. Munetsi, who plays for English second-tier club Wolverhampton Wanderers, has now scored three goals in as many games, including a brace in a dramatic 3-2 away win over Sierra Leone last week.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was among the crowd that filled the National Sports Stadium for the qualifier. Zimbabwe last played at home in November 2021, and the venue had undergone significant renovations to meet international standards. The win for DR Congo keeps them top of Group E with a maximum six points, while Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have three points each, and Sierra Leone are pointless.
In other AFCON qualifiers, Equatorial Guinea earned a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in Yaounde, with Loren Zuniga scoring the only goal. Equatorial Guinea are among 11 teams that must host matches at neutral venues due to a lack of an international-standard stadium. Central African Republic are another 'homeless' nation and fell 1-0 to Burkina Faso in Group F, with Aboubacar Camara netting the second-half winner in Casablanca.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continue, with Zimbabwe looking to bounce back from their loss. The team will face Equatorial Guinea twice in November, and a win would help them improve their standings in Group E. DR Congo, who won their second AFCON title 52 years ago, will look to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the tournament.
The results from the AFCON qualifiers show that the competition is heating up, with several teams vying for a spot in the tournament. DR Congo's win over Zimbabwe was a significant result, and the team will look to build on their momentum. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will feature 48 teams, and the qualifiers will continue until the end of the year.
Key points
- DR Congo beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare, with Yoane Wissa scoring and creating another goal.
- Zimbabwe last played at home in November 2021, and the venue had undergone significant renovations to meet international standards.
- DR Congo top Group E with a maximum six points, while Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea have three points each.
