AFCON 2027: DRC wins 2-1 in Harare and remains alone at the top of Group E

The Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, during the second matchday of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Leopards secured their second victory in two outings and remain alone at the top of Group E with six points.

Wissa strikes, Moutoussamy doubles the lead

Yoane Wissa opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a finish inside the box, before Samuel Moutoussamy doubled the lead in the 45th+2 minute, just before the break, reports Radio Okapi. Zimbabwe only narrowed the gap in the 90th+3 minute through Munetsi, in a final stretch where the Warriors pushed hard without managing to turn the game around.

The statistics reflect a balanced match that was better controlled by the visitors: 50.8% possession, 13 shots with 4 on target for the DRC, compared to 12 shots and 6 on target for Zimbabwe, who also earned six corners, according to Actualite.cd. The Congolese defense, led by captain Chancel Mbemba, held firm until the end.

A Group E that is already taking shape

In the other group match played on the same day, Equatorial Guinea defeated Sierra Leone 1-0. In the standings, the DRC has six points, ahead of Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea (3 points each), with Sierra Leone at the bottom without a single point.

This away success extends the 2-0 victory obtained during the first matchday against Equatorial Guinea. Head coach Sébastien Desabre does not hide his ambition: the Leopards are aiming for "12 points" in the campaign and direct qualification, reports Radio Okapi.

Winning in Harare is no small feat. Zimbabwe was playing its first home match of the campaign at its National Sports Stadium, which has been brought up to standard after years of hosting matches outside its borders due to a lack of approved venues. The Warriors were reunited with their fans; they did not find the three points.

Winning in Harare is no small feat: Zimbabwe was playing its first home match of the campaign at its renovated National Sports Stadium, reports the website Vavel. The Warriors were reunited with their fans; they did not find the three points.