Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Oct 15, 2024 at 2pm UK

Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium

Tanzania vs Congo DR

Match preview

Congo DR did just enough to see off Tanzania 1-0 and take maximum points from Thursday's clash at the Stade des Martyrs.

In a game of few clear-cut chances, Sebastien Desabre's men needed a stroke of good fortune when Clement Mzize slotted the ball past his own goalkeeper early in the second period.

Les Leopards, one of six teams still with a perfect record in AFCON qualifying, are currently top of Group J, five points clear of second-placed Tanzania and their next opponents.

Congo DR's latest triumph has taken them to four wins on the spin and they are unbeaten in five matches since losing to South Africa in the AFCON third place play-off in February.

All four of their victories on Tuesday have come without conceding a goal, and that kind of defensive solidity bodes well for their chances of securing a crucial win on home soil.

On any other day, Tanzania could have gone into Tuesday's clash with Congo DR top of the group, but they were unable to capitalise on their dominance in Kinshasa last time out.

It was only the first defeat for Hemed Suleiman's men in six games in all competitions, a run that stretches back to a 2-1 friendly loss to Sudan in May, after which they had won three and drawn two.

Tanzania have not lost back-to-back competitive matches since 2022, and it is imperative that the Taifa Stars keep that record intact as they head into their final three qualifiers.

Sitting one and three points clear of Guinea and Ethiopia respectively, Tanzania are now in a three-way battle for qualification with Congo DR, who already have one foot in the 2025 AFCON.

Tuesday's hosts have games against Guinea and Ethiopia in the next month, and victory in their next outing would put them in the driving seat ahead of the November finals.

Recent Performance

Tanzania Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DWL

Tanzania form (all competitions):WDWDWL

Congo DR Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WWW

Congo DR form (all competitions):LDWWWW

Injuries and suspensions

Tanzania

20 Novatus Miroshi

Congo DR

-- Axel Tuanzebe

Possible starting lineups

Tanzania possible starting lineup:

Juma; Husseini, Bacca, Job, Mwaikenda; Yahya, Salum, Bitegeko; Kibu, Samatta, Mzize

Congo DR possible starting lineup:

Bertaud; Masuaku, Inonga, Mbemba, Kalulu; Moutoussamy, Kayembe, Pickel; Bongonda, Mvumpa, Essende