DR Congo will look to extend their winning run in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they host Sierra Leone at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Thursday, November 12. The Group E encounter presents an important opportunity for the hosts to strengthen their position at the top of the standings.
Sébastien Desabre’s team enters the fixture with maximum points from its opening two qualifying matches. Sierra Leone, meanwhile, travels to the Congolese capital looking for its first points after suffering consecutive defeats.
The difference in recent qualifying performances makes DR Congo the favorite, but Sierra Leone will be determined to produce a stronger defensive display and keep its qualification hopes alive.
DR Congo vs Sierra Leone: Match Details
- Match: DR Congo vs Sierra Leone
- Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
- Stage: Group E, Matchday 3
- Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Venue: Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte, Kinshasa
- Kick-off: 4:00 PM GMT
- DR Congo manager: Sébastien Desabre
- Sierra Leone manager: Didier Gomes Da Rosa
DR Congo Looking to Continue Strong AFCON Qualifying Start
DR Congo have made an encouraging start to their qualifying campaign, winning both of their opening fixtures in September.
They began with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea before recording an important 2-1 away win against Zimbabwe. Those results put the Leopards on six points and gave them an early advantage in Group E.
The results also strengthened expectations surrounding Desabre’s side, which is among the highest-ranked teams in its qualifying group.
However, their recent international performances have not been entirely convincing. DR Congo lost 2-0 to Uganda in October before drawing 1-1 against the same opposition in their second friendly.
Those results exposed some defensive and attacking weaknesses that Desabre will want to address before facing Sierra Leone.
The home side will also be motivated by its previous success against the Leone Stars. DR Congo have won their last three meetings with Sierra Leone, including a 3-0 friendly victory in September 2022.
Another victory would give the Leopards an important advantage ahead of the return fixture scheduled for November 17.
Sierra Leone Under Pressure After Consecutive Defeats
Sierra Leone arrive in Kinshasa with plenty to prove after a disappointing opening to their AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Leone Stars lost 3-2 against Zimbabwe after surrendering a two-goal advantage. The defeat highlighted their defensive problems, particularly their inability to protect a promising position during the closing stages.
Their difficulties continued with a 1-0 loss against Equatorial Guinea. Two defeats from two matches have left Sierra Leone without a point in Group E.
Manager Didier Gomes Da Rosa, appointed in June, now faces an important test as he attempts to improve the team’s results.
Sierra Leone have struggled to find consistency in recent international appearances. Their defensive organization and ability to maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes will be particularly important against a DR Congo side with considerable attacking quality.
The visitors cannot afford another slow start. DR Congo have shown an ability to score early in recent matches, making the opening stages especially important for Sierra Leone.
DR Congo Team News
DR Congo will have to manage several selection issues ahead of Thursday’s match.
First-choice goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau remains unavailable because of an Achilles tendon injury. Matthieu Epolo is therefore expected to retain his place between the posts.
Another significant absence is Aston Villa defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is still recovering from injury. Gedeon Kalulu is expected to continue at right-back after deputizing during the October fixtures against Uganda.
Captain Chancel Mbemba remains a key figure in the defensive setup. The experienced centre-back is approaching his 120th international appearance and continues to hold the record for the most appearances for the national team.
His leadership and defensive experience could prove important against Sierra Leone’s attacking players.
In attack, Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu are expected to provide the main goal threat. Wissa has scored in each of DR Congo’s opening two AFCON qualifying matches, making him one of the players to watch.
Sierra Leone Team News
Sierra Leone could introduce Malachi Jones to international football after including the forward in the squad.
Despite scoring only once in 27 appearances this season, Jones has received an opportunity to represent the Leone Stars and could make his senior international debut.
Sallieu Tarawallie is another player who could attract attention. The 31-year-old has been directly involved in three goals across his last four appearances for the national side.
His attacking contribution could be important if Sierra Leone are to create problems for the DR Congo defense.
The visitors will need strong performances from their midfield and defensive units to prevent the hosts from controlling possession and creating repeated scoring opportunities.
No confirmed starting lineup should be assumed before the official team sheets are released.
DR Congo vs Sierra Leone Expected Lineups
Both managers are expected to make tactical decisions based on their recent performances and available players.
DR Congo predicted lineup (4-4-2):
Epolo; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kalulu; Kadile, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Mbuku; Wissa, Bakambu.
Sierra Leone predicted lineup (3-5-2):
Jalloh; Tarawallie, Bah, Turay; Fornah, Kanu, Koroma, S. Kamara, Kakay; Conteh, M. Kamara.
These are projected lineups rather than confirmed starting teams. Official selections are expected shortly before kickoff.
Key Players to Watch
Yoane Wissa – DR Congo
Wissa could be one of the biggest differences between the two teams. His movement, finishing ability and experience in European football give DR Congo an important attacking option.
His goals in the opening two qualifying matches have already demonstrated his value to Desabre’s system.
Cédric Bakambu – DR Congo
Bakambu brings considerable international experience and could play an important role alongside Wissa. His ability to find space inside the penalty area makes him a constant threat.
The striker’s understanding of international football could also help DR Congo manage the pressure of an important home fixture.
Chancel Mbemba – DR Congo
Mbemba’s leadership will be particularly valuable in the absence of some regular defensive options. His positioning, tackling and experience make him central to the team’s defensive organization.
Sallieu Tarawallie – Sierra Leone
Tarawallie is among the attacking players Sierra Leone will hope can make an impact. His recent goal contributions suggest that he could provide an important attacking outlet against the hosts.
DR Congo vs Sierra Leone Head-to-Head Record
The recent head-to-head record strongly favors DR Congo.
The Leopards have won the last three meetings between these national teams, including their previous encounters during the 2015 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Their most recent recorded meeting took place on September 27, 2022, when DR Congo secured a convincing 3-0 friendly victory at Stade des Martyrs.
Ben Malango, Edo Kayembe and Meschack Elia scored during the second half to complete the victory.
This history gives DR Congo additional confidence heading into Thursday’s encounter, although previous results do not guarantee another win.
DR Congo vs Sierra Leone Prediction
DR Congo have several advantages heading into this fixture, including home support, stronger recent qualifying results and a favorable head-to-head record.
Their attacking options also give them multiple ways to threaten Sierra Leone’s defense. Wissa’s recent international form could be particularly important if the hosts manage to establish control early.
Sierra Leone will likely look to remain compact, limit space between the defensive lines and use counterattacking opportunities whenever possible.
However, the visitors’ recent defensive struggles make this a difficult assignment. Their inability to protect leads against Zimbabwe and maintain defensive stability against Equatorial Guinea raises questions about how they will handle sustained pressure in Kinshasa.
DR Congo should have enough quality to control much of the contest and create the better scoring opportunities.
Our prediction: DR Congo 2-0 Sierra Leone
A home victory would strengthen DR Congo’s position in Group E and put additional pressure on Sierra Leone ahead of the return meeting in Morocco.
