Zimbabwe will host the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations group qualifier, marking their first home game in five years. The match comes after major renovations to the 60,000-seat National Sports Stadium in Harare, forcing the Warriors to host matches outside the country, often in South Africa. This development has been a significant boost for the team, which has been playing away from home for an extended period.
The return to home soil is timely for Zimbabwe, as they face DR Congo in an optimistic mood. Last week, they staged a dramatic comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit to snatch a 3-2 away win over Sierra Leone. Marshall Munetsi, a 30-year-old midfielder with English second-tier club Wolverhampton Wanderers, was instrumental in the recovery, scoring two goals, including the winner with two minutes of regular time remaining.
The victory was a dream competitive debut for Ramon Catala, a 65-year-old Spaniard who has coached in the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Ukraine, and Libya. Zimbabwe's opponents, DR Congo, cruised to a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa under French coach Sebastien Desabre. Captain and centre-back Chancel Mbemba and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa scored the goals, showcasing the team's transformation under Desabre.
DR Congo has been transformed into a well-drilled, combative unit under Desabre, who took them to the 2026 World Cup after a 52-year absence. They led England for 68 minutes of a last-32 clash before a Harry Kane brace turned the tables. This impressive form has made them a formidable opponent for Zimbabwe, who will need to be at their best to secure a result.
Zimbabwe is not the only team facing a homecoming; 13 of the 48 teams competing in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers are 'homeless'. A civil war prevents Sudan from playing in Khartoum, and security concerns mean Somalia cannot host opponents in Mogadishu. Other countries, including 2022 AFCON champions Senegal, currently lack stadiums that meet international standards.
In other AFCON qualifiers, Guinea-Bissau host three-time AFCON champions Nigeria on Tuesday, following their surprise 2-0 victory over 2027 AFCON co-hosts Tanzania. Nigeria secured a 2-1 win over Madagascar, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring. The result has added importance to the Guinea-Bissau vs. Nigeria match, as only one of Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar can join Tanzania at the finals.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers have already thrown up several surprises, with Tanzania restricting hosts Morocco to a 1-0 win and Guinea-Bissau stunning them with a 2-0 victory. As the competition heats up, teams will need to be at their best to secure a spot at the finals. For Zimbabwe, the focus is on securing a result against DR Congo and building on their momentum.
Key points
- Zimbabwe hosts DR Congo in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations group qualifier, marking their first home game in five years.
- 13 teams competing in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers are 'homeless' due to stadium issues or security concerns.
- Guinea-Bissau hosts Nigeria in a crucial match, following their surprise victory over Tanzania.
