Wissa spoils Zimbabwe homecoming as DR Congo win Afcon qualifier

Democrat Republic of Congo's Yoane Wissa scored against Zimbabwe in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, spoiling the homecoming for the African nation. The 30-year-old Newcastle United striker opened the scoring in the 30th minute when he converted a loose ball into the net after goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze failed to prevent a cross from entering the goal.

DR Congo extended their lead in the 79th minute with a well-executed pass that allowed Samuel Moutoussamy to score. Wissa also came close to scoring a hat-trick, hitting the woodwork twice. Zimbabwe improved after halftime, with Marshall Munetsi, playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English second tier, scoring a 93rd-minute consolation goal.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended the match, which was played in Harare's National Sports Stadium, which was filled to capacity. DR Congo topped Group E with a perfect record of six points after their opening match against Equatorial Guinea, who netted a first-minute goal. Botswana, Tunisia, and Equatorial Guinea, who will face each other twice in November, each have three points, while Sierra Leone has no points.

Equatorial Guinea qualified despite their lack of an international stadium, with a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in Cameroon. The Central African Republic, another nation without a suitable venue, was eliminated after losing 1-0 to Burkina Faso. Tunisia failed to secure their first win of the year, drawing 2-2 with Botswana at home.

This was the second consecutive 2-2 draw for Botswana, who remain top of Group H due to their superior goal difference.