Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER both Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made winning starts in Group E of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, the clash at the National Sports Stadium (NSS) tomorrow is set to be a battle for control of the group in these early stages of the campaign.
The DRC took control after defeating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in Kinshasa, before Zimbabwe staged one of their most memorable comebacks in history after overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.
Although still early in the marathon, how a team begin their quest will usually determine the tone for the rest of the campaign.
The DRC are returning to the NSS, the venue where they played a 1-1 draw against the Warriors the last time they visited Zimbabwe in a 2019 AFCON qualifying match.
The Congolese side may not have forgotten the campaign when Zimbabwe stunned them 2-1 in their backyard before the draw at the NSS on October 16, 2018, which left the Warriors firmly in control, before finishing top of the qualifying group.
Although so many things have changed since then, with the DRC even qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the rivalry still stands.
Records in recent years are delicately balanced, with both teams winning twice against each other and also drawing twice in the last four competitive matches between them.
Zimbabwe, under new coach Ramon Catala, are looking to make a solid start and lay the foundation in pursuit of a seventh AFCON finals appearance in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, who co-host the event next year.
Warriors skipper Marvelous Nakamba believes Zimbabwe need to focus on the next assignment following the win over Sierra Leone.
“It was a good win for the country. So, now, I think it’s water under the bridge. We are looking forward to the next match on Monday (tomorrow).
“The boys did well and the morale is high now. Of course, now we just have to focus on the next match,” said Nakamba.
The midfielder, who is now playing in Greece, said the Warriors should not be intimidated by the star-studded DRC squad.
“I think each and every opponent have their different qualities,” he said.
“So, without taking anything from Sierra Leone, DRC, of course, have on paper some big names who are playing in the EPL (English Premier League) and who are playing in good leagues. But as I said before, we just have to focus on ourselves and also with the fans behind us. As the Warriors, we just have to believe we can do it.”
Warriors vice captain Marshall Munetsi and his Wolves team-mate Tawanda Chirewa helped Zimbabwe turn the game on its head in the last 20 minutes after the Warriors had found themselves trailing 2-0 from the first half.
Zimbabwe were playing for the first time under new coach Ramon Catala and Nakamba believes the coach’s pep talk reinvigorated the Warriors.
“Of course, at halftime he spoke with the team to believe in ourselves, to believe in his philosophy also and to keep on doing the things that he told us,” he said.
“So, we just had to move the ball a little bit quicker and keep the possession. The more we dominate with the possession, the more we can have the chance to win a game.”
The Warriors returned home on Friday.
They will play at the NSS for the first time in five years after the venue was recently granted partial homologation by CAF.
“We’re very excited to play in front of our own fans. I think it’s good for everyone,” Nakamba said.
“The players are buzzing in camp. Most of us, I think we played at the National Sports Stadium before, but we have a number of new players who haven’t played there before, in front of our home fans.
“So, I think it will be really a good match and against a good opponent in DRC, who are coming from the World Cup. But it’s about only to focus on ourselves and to believe in ourselves.”
The visitors fired strong warning shots on Thursday with their win over Equatorial Guinea, thanks to goals from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa.
After years of building a formidable side, comprising mostly players in Europe’s top leagues, their French coach, Sebastian Desabre, wants a perfect campaign.
“A win is important to start a new competition,” he said.
“It’s crucial. The first matches in any new competition are important. We have a six-match qualifying tournament and it’s always good to pick up points at home.
“We’re also happy with the match against Equatorial Guinea itself because I think we played a solid game. We lacked a little bit of clinical finishing, but our movements were good and it was a match we controlled.”
The Leopards coach made it clear they will not tamper much with the winning side ahead of the clash with Zimbabwe.
Romanian-based defender Dylan Batubinsika and Paris Maghoma of Norwich City have been ruled out of the upcoming match.
According to the Congolese football federation, Fecofa, Batubinsika picked up an injury and has since been replaced by Iraq-based Inonga Baka.
Fecofa also said Maghoma is unavailable due to health reasons.
