Winners twice in Group E, DR Congo host Sierra Leone on Thursday 13 November at the Stade des Martyrs. Captain Chancel Mbemba, the national record holder for caps, is approaching his 120th appearance.
The Stade des Martyrs welcomes DR Congo on Thursday 13 November, as they host Sierra Leone on matchday three of qualifying for AFCON 2027. The Congolese go into the fixture with a perfect record in Group E: two matches, two wins, against Equatorial Guinea (2-0) and then Zimbabwe (2-1), according to All Football.
The visitors, by contrast, are going through a far more difficult spell. Bottom of Group E, Sierra Leone have lost their first two matches under their head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa. For his part, DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre has several absentees to contend with.
A treatment room that never empties
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau is unavailable due to an Achilles tendon injury. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also unavailable through injury, and Gedeon Kalulu is expected to continue at right-back.
Mbemba, captain and record holder
In this context, captain Chancel Mbemba is approaching his 120th cap and already holds the national record for appearances.
DR Congo have won their last three meetings with Sierra Leone, including both matches of the 2015 qualifiers. A favourable history, but one the Congolese will have to confirm on the pitch.
Their recent form had been less consistent: in October, in friendlies played in Johannesburg, DR Congo lost 2-0 to Uganda before drawing 1-1 three days later.
Sierra Leone seeking a revival
For Sierra Leone, Sallieu Tarawallie has been involved in three goals in his last four outings, according to All Football. Malachi Jones, called up to the national team, could make his international debut. Under Didier Gomes Da Rosa, Sierra Leone are looking to halt a run of two defeats.
The wider context remains difficult, however: Sierra Leone have not featured at an AFCON since 2021, and their last competitive win dates back to October 2025, against Djibouti.
A win on Thursday would give DR Congo three consecutive competitive victories.