DR Congo prepares for AFCON qualifier against Equatorial Guinea

The DR Congo national football team is preparing for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Equatorial Guinea, scheduled for September 24 at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre expressed confidence that the match will not be played behind closed doors, despite rumors regarding CAF stadium accreditation. He anticipates a full stadium, noting that the Congolese supporters deserve to see the team in action following their fervent support during previous campaigns. Desabre also noted a change in the squad due to an injury to Stanis Indumbo, who is unavailable for three weeks following a match with Monaco.

Equatorial Guinea, known as the Nzalang Nacional, enters the match as a disciplined opponent. Having reached the quarterfinals of AFCON 2021, the team is recognized for its pragmatic tactical approach, utilizing a compact defensive block and rapid counter-attacks to exploit space. Key players for the visitors include goalkeeper Felipe Ovono and defender Carlos Akapo.