DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying gets under way

Context of the match

DR Congo, managed by Sébastien Desabre, begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at home against Equatorial Guinea. According to beIN SPORTS, the match is being played at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, with the Leopards looking to capitalise on home advantage.

DR Congo arrive at this qualifier on the back of a historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the knockout stage. In the group phase, the Leopards drew 1-1 with Portugal, lost 1-0 to Colombia and beat Uzbekistan 3-1, before their campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to England in the knockout round.

Equatorial Guinea are managed by Vincenzo Alberto Annese. The Nzalang Nacional have established a reputation as a difficult side to beat, although, as beIN SPORTS notes, they will be looking to improve their attacking output. Playing away in Kinshasa, they will need defensive solidity and efficiency in front of goal to come away with a positive result.

The group picture

Alongside DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea, the qualifying group also includes Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. No team in the group has an automatic qualification spot secured, meaning points gathered early in the six-match campaign could prove decisive. Matchday two follows quickly on September 28, when Equatorial Guinea host Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe welcome DR Congo.

Lineups and officials

DR Congo are set up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, while Equatorial Guinea have opted for a 3-2-4-1 shape. The match is being refereed by Joseph Odey Ogabor, assisted by Tejiri Digbori and Emmanuel Omada, with Grema Mohammed as the fourth official, according to details compiled by the BBC.

The game is being broadcast live on beIN SPORTS, with coverage starting at 11:50 AM ET.