Congo DR and Tanzania clash in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with both teams eager to continue their positive momentum. The Leopards are currently on a winning streak, while the Taifa Stars are looking to build on their recent victory.
Match Overview
Congo DR has made an impressive start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, winning both of their opening matches. Their latest success came on September 9 with a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, where goals from Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele in the second half secured the points. This followed a narrow 1-0 win over Guinea, thanks to a goal from Watford’s Edo Kayembe.
Since their heartbreaking loss in the 2023 AFCON playoff, Congo DR has shown resilience, going unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, with three wins and a draw. They sit third in their World Cup qualifying group, currently trailing Sudan for the automatic spot by three points.
However, history suggests a challenging match against Tanzania, as Congo DR has struggled against them in recent encounters, with five of the last six meetings ending in draws or losses for the Leopards, their only victory being a 3-0 win in November 2021.
On the other hand, Tanzania recently claimed their first victory in the current AFCON qualifiers, a 2-1 comeback win against Guinea. After a goalless draw against Ethiopia, this victory has given Hemed Suleiman’s side confidence as they aim for back-to-back AFCON appearances. Currently, they sit second in the group, just two points behind Congo DR.
Recent Form
– Congo DR AFCON Qualifying Form:
– 2-0 win against Ethiopia
– 1-0 win against Guinea
– Tanzania AFCON Qualifying Form:
– 2-1 win against Guinea
– 0-0 draw against Ethiopia
Team News
Congo DR:
Coach Sebastien Desabre has named a strong 25-man squad for this campaign. Key players include:
– Defenders: Chancel Mbemba and Henoc Inonga, who started against Ethiopia.
– Midfielders: Charles Pickel, Chadrac Akolo, and Samuel Moutoussamy.
– Forwards: Samuel Essende, Gael Kakuta, and Simon Banza, with Essende expected to lead the attack.
Tanzania:
Suleiman’s squad has seen continuity, with familiar names likely to feature, such as:
– Defenders: Mohamed Husseini, Ibrahim Hamad, Dickson Job, and Lusajo Mwaikenda.
– Midfielders: Feisal Salum and Mudathir Yahya, who both scored against Guinea.
– Forwards: Cyprian Kachwele, who recently made his debut.
Possible Lineups
Congo DR:
– Goalkeeper: Bertaud
– Defenders: Kalulu, Inonga, Mbemba, Masuaku
– Midfielders: Moutoussamy, Akolo, Pickel
– Forwards: Essende, Kakuta, Banza
Tanzania:
– Goalkeeper: Juma
– Defenders: Husseini, Hamad, Job, Mwaikenda
– Midfielders: Salum, Yahya, Miroshi
– Forwards: Mzize, Samatta, Dennis
