The Zimbabwe national football team, known as the Warriors, will host the Democratic Republic of Congo's national team, the Leopards, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday, September 27, 2026. This match marks the beginning of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers for Group E. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) schedule, the match is set to kick off at 18h00 local time and 17h00 Kinshasa time.
Both teams enter this match with a perfect record, having won their first matches and accumulating three points each. The Leopards of DRC currently top the group, thanks to a superior goal difference of +2, while the Warriors of Zimbabwe are second with a goal difference of +1. In their previous match, Zimbabwe staged a remarkable comeback against Sierra Leone, winning 3-2 after being down 0-2. Meanwhile, DRC secured a flawless victory at home, with goals from Chancel Mbemba and Yoan Wissa.
Historically, the Leopards of DRC have had the upper hand in encounters against the Warriors of Zimbabwe. Their most notable victory was a 4-0 win in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where goals from Jonathan Bolingi, Cédric Bakambu, and Britt Assombalonga sealed their dominance. Overall, the two teams have met five times, with DRC recording two wins, one draw, and two losses.
The upcoming match will pit the Warriors, under their current form, against the Leopards, who have been fine-tuned by their French coach, Sébastien Desabre. This encounter is highly anticipated, given the contrasting fortunes of both teams in recent matches. Zimbabwe will look to build on their momentum from the previous match, while DRC aims to continue their winning streak.
The significance of this match cannot be overstated, as a win would provide a crucial advantage in the quest for a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams will likely field their strongest lineups, making for an intense and closely contested match. Fans from both countries are eagerly awaiting the outcome, which promises to be an exciting encounter.
In preparation for this match, Zimbabwe will draw inspiration from their previous performances, including their dramatic comeback against Sierra Leone. Conversely, DRC will look to build on their solid defensive record and clinical finishing, which earned them a convincing win in their opening match.
As the match approaches, both teams are gearing up to give their all, with the ultimate goal of securing a vital win in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter between two teams eager to make their mark in African football.
Key points
- The Leopards of DRC have a superior head-to-head record against the Warriors of Zimbabwe, including a notable 4-0 win in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
