The DR Congo team earned their third straight win in Group E, moving closer to qualifying for next year’s Cup of Nations. They defeated Sierra Leone 3-1 on Thursday.

This victory greatly improved their chances of reaching the continental tournament. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations suffered after losing to Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea in September.

In this Group E match in Kinshasa, coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa’s team conceded two goals in the first half. The first goal was scored by Yoane Wissa, who fired a right-footed shot into the top-left corner, assisted by Nathanaël Mbuku.

The second goal came in the 35th minute from Samuel Moutoussamy, who scored a right-footed shot from outside the box into the top-right corner during a fast break.

In the second half, Edo Kayembe’s left-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner, assisted by Arthur Masuaku, added to the home team’s goals.

Late on, in the 83rd minute, substitute Samuel Bekoe (Sierra Leone) left-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner following a corner gave the visitors a goal.

Head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa was appointed in June to refresh the Sierra Leone squad but has had a challenging start, losing his first three matches. He needs to regroup quickly, as both teams will meet again in five days.

This loss places Sierra Leone at the bottom of their group as they continue their quest for a spot in the AFCON tournament being held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2027.