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Zimbabwe vs DR Congo Preview and Betting Tips - Back Both Teams to Score in Open AFCON Qualifier

tolu-shotade
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Last updated: Sat 26 Sep 2026 16:41
Zimbabwe and DR Congo enter their second Group E AFCON 2027 qualifier full of confidence after recent wins. Both have displayed strong attacking form but struggled defensively, making a high-scoring game likely. Zimbabwe showed resilience in a comeback win over Sierra Leone, while DR Congo confidently dispatched Equatorial Guinea. With both squads expected to feature key attackers and no major injuries reported, the main prediction favors both teams scoring. Expect an open and entertaining encounter between evenly matched sides.
Tolu Shotade 2 hours ago
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  • Both teams won their opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
  • Attacking strength & defensive vulnerability on both sides.
  • Prediction: Both teams likely to score in an open match.
Zimbabwe vs DR Congo
Zimbabwe vs DR Congo (Getty Images)

Zimbabwe vs DR Congo AFCON Qualifier Preview


Zimbabwe and DR Congo will be looking to build on wins in their opening fixture when they meet in their second Group E clash in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. 

Both teams have shown attacking quality lately, and with the defences a little shaky, goals can be expected here. 

Key Stats


  • Zimbabwe have scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
  • Zimbabwe have conceded in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
  • DR Congo have scored in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions
  • DR Congo have conceded in five of their last six matches in all competitions.

A Win Each 


Zimbabwe and DR Congo have picked one win each, with two draws from four previous matches. The most recent meeting was an AFCON group stage clash in 2019, with the Leopards claiming a 4-0 victory.

Solid Start for Zimbabwe

 
Zimbabwe began their qualifying campaign with a 3-2 away win over Sierra Leone. The Warriors fought back from two goals down at the break, with a scored half brace from Marshall Munetsi and a Tawanda Chirewa effort earning them the win. 

Manager Ramon Catala will be pleased with the fighting spirit of his team but will hope for a smoother outing on Monday. The result is also part of a solid run of form for Zimbabwe, who have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
 
Zimbabwe showed their attacking quality against Sierra Leone and have also scored in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have shown some defensive vulnerability, failing to keep a clean sheet in seven of those 10 fixtures.

DR Congo still Looking Confident

 
DR Congo also claimed a win in their opening fixture, easing to a 2-0 home victory over Equatorial Guinea. They were largely untroubled throughout the contest, with goals in each half from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa securing the three points. 

The result is part of a string of fine showings for DR Congo, who are playing with confidence at the moment. The Leopards are now unbeaten in six of their last nine matches in all competitions.

Goals have not been a problem for DR Congo, who have scored in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions. However, the defence needs some work, having conceded in five of their last six fixtures in all competitions. 

Team News & Predicted Line-ups 


Zimbabwe (4-2-3-1): Elvis Chipezeze; Munashe Garananga, Kevin Moyo, Shane Maroodza; Marvelous Nakamba, Andy Rinomhota; Tawanda Maswanhise, Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa; Thandolwenkosi Ngewenya. 

Munetsi and Chirewa should continue in attack for Zimbabwe after both men got the goals in the opening fixture. Marvelous Nakamba should feature in midfield while Kevin Moyo is expected to retain his place at the back. 

DR Congo (4-4-2): Matthiew Epolo; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Theo Bongonda, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Nathanael Mbuku; Yoane Wissa, Noah Sadiki. 

DR Congo have no injuries or suspensions from the opening game, and Wissa is expected to feature in attack as always. Edo Kayembe should line up in midfield while Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe are set to continue their central defensive partnership.

Verdict

Zimbabwe and DR Congo will be full of confidence after earning solid wins in their opening fixtures.

They have shown attacking quality lately, and with neither defence looking convincing, both teams could be backed to score here.

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tolu-shotade
Tolu Shotade

Football Writer • 10+ Years as a Betting Analyst, TV & Radio Lead Presenter

Worked as a sports anchor on radio between 2007 and 2012 before switching to television. Tolu was the lead presenter for the Italian Serie A, English Premier League and German Bundesliga on satellite television in Africa and joined SuperSport in 2017. He began writing for freetips.com in 2018 and has a deep knowledge of the African leagues as well as Europe's top 5 leagues including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Favourite Sports: Football addict with interests in boxing and tennis.

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