Sierra Leone is set to take on a tough DR Congo team at the Stade des Martyrs on Thursday afternoon in Group E third Cup of Nations qualifiers. A must-win for the West Africans, or, worst case, they must avoid defeat against a DRC side eager to secure their spot in a fourth consecutive major tournament.
In September, DRC Leopards kicked off their AFCON qualifiers with wins against Equatorial Guinea (2-0) and Zimbabwe (2-1), establishing a three-point lead atop Group E. As expected, they’re on course to finish first as the highest-ranked team in the group according to FIFA.
Congo DR is eager to replicate their strong start from the previous African qualifying campaign, where they won their first four matches. They’ll be up against Sierra Leone, a team they have defeated in their last three encounters, including both matches in the 2015 qualifiers.
After a rocky beginning to the year that saw them exit AFCON against Algeria, Congo DR aims to finish 2026 on a high note. A win in their upcoming match would not only secure three consecutive competitive victories for the first time since December but also deliver a psychological edge to Sierra Leone ahead of their rematch in El Jadida next Tuesday.
Didier Gomes Da Rosa, appointed in June to rejuvenate the Sierra Leone squad, has had a tough start, losing his first two matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Zimbabwe after squandering a two-goal lead. The Leone Stars now seek to avoid a fourth consecutive loss, with their last win dating back to October 2025.
Currently at the bottom of Group E, their AFCON hopes have dwindled as they prepare for a double-header against Congo DR. Key players are unavailable; first-choice goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau is sidelined with an Achilles injury, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out, so Gedeon Kalulu will continue in defense.
Captain Chancel Mbemba nears his 120th cap, and Malachi Jones could debut despite his struggles this season. Sallieu Tarawallie, who has been involved in three goals in four games, is another player to watch. A positive start against Congo DR is vital for Sierra Leone’s aspirations.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Congo DR: Epolo; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kalulu; Kadile, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Mbuku; Wissa, Bakambu
Sierra Leone: Jalloh; Tarawallie, Bah, Turay; Fornah, Kanu, Koroma, S. Kamara, Kakay; Conteh, M. Kamara
