Congo DR will face Zambia in the last of the African Cup of Nations Round One games. Group F appears to present a formidable challenge for the two teams. It includes the formidable Moroccan and the resilient Tanzanian teams. They will compete in the other group match at this location earlier in the day.
Preview (Congo DR vs. Zambia)
Having faded from view in recent years, Congo DR will enter this year’s competition hoping to win the AFCON title for the first time in fifty years. In their illustrious history, the Leopards have won two continental titles. The most recent success dates back to 1974, when they were still known as Zaire. The 1968 victory was their first. More recently, Congo has failed to establish itself on the continent. From 2000 to 2012, they lost three straight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
They lost their first two qualifying matches, which resulted in Hector Cuper’s dismissal, and they were very much in danger of not making it to the competition this year as well. However, that appeared to be a turning point for the team. The Frenchman succeeded admirably as his team defeated Gabon, Sudan, and Mauritania.
The last time these teams faced off, the game finished in a 1-1 draw. Zambia’s experience in the Africa Cup of Nations is peculiar because they last emerged victorious in the continental competition in February 2012, when they also held the trophy. Despite finishing second in their group, Grant’s team outperformed Lesotho in the 2023 COSAFA Cup. They won the tournament 1-0 in the decider courtesy of a goal from Moyela Libamba. Following that outcome, Chipolopolo played six games, dividing the results with two victories, two defeats, and two draws. Their most recent game, which was their only warm-up last week, ended in a 1-1 tie against Cameroon.
Team News
Just a few weeks before his squad departed for the Ivory Coast, Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe suffered a serious injury that required him to leave the team. Kayembe had sustained the injury during The Hornets’ 3-3 draw with Plymouth Argyle early in the New Year. Edric Bakambu of Galatasaray and Yoane Wissa of Brentford are anticipated to lead the team’s offensive endeavors. Dylan Batubinsika, who received two yellow cards in the team’s last qualification encounter, will be unable to play in this game.
Frankie Musonda, defender for Ayr United, had his health for the competition called into question, but he was cleared to play and will be able to start for Grant’s team. With Enock Mwepu having resigned from all football-related activities owing to a heart problem, Leicester City striker Patrick Daka and Al-Fayha attacker Fashion Sakala, who were both a member of the Zambian team that won the Under-20 AFCON in 2017, will be expected to spearhead their team’s offensive endeavors.
Congo DR 0-1 Zambia
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