CAN 2027 (Q): the DRC faces Equatorial Guinea in the opening match

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has made a strong start in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Facing Equatorial Guinea at the Stade des Martyrs, Sébastien Desabre’s men quickly took control. In the 4th minute, Chancel Mbemba opened the scoring with a header from a free kick taken by Mbuku. Dominating the game, the Congolese team then created multiple dangerous situations. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Noah Sadiki notably hit the crossbar before halftime.

Equatorial Guinea attempted to respond after returning from the locker room, but the DRC maintained control of the match. In the 72nd minute, Yoane Wissa doubled the score and recorded his 12th goal for the national team. The Leopards then managed their lead until the final whistle. Sébastien Desabre took the opportunity to give Junior Kadile, the RC Lens player, his first international minutes.

With these three points, the DRC makes a good start in Group E, which also includes Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone. In other matches, Mauritania defeated the Central African Republic (3-1), while Libya and Botswana drew (2-2).