AFCON 2019
Zimbabwe vs DR Congo
30 June Air Defence Stadium, Cairo
Sunday, 30-06-2019 @10pm
After the Africa Cup of Nations was expended to 24 teams, both Zimbabwe and DR Congo still stand a chance of progressing to the round of 16.
Zimbabwe start the day third on the table with only a point from their first two games, despite putting out brilliant performances in both.
The Warriors lost 0-1 to Egypt on opening day before missing a host of chances including an open goal, against Uganda as they drew 1-1 this past Wednesday.
They still have a chance of qualifying second from the group, if they beat Congo and Uganda loses by two or more goals against Egypt in the other group A game.
Alternatively, Zimbabwe can reach the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed with only a victory over DR Congo on Sunday.
“We were disappointed to draw against Uganda on Wednesday, said Zimbabwe forward Khama Billiat who scored in the 1-1 draw against the Cranes.
“We the forwards, feel like we let our country down as we missed several chances.
“However, we have a chance to put that right against DR Congo on Sunday.
DR Congo are also still eyeing a round of 16 bath despite sitting bottom of group A with no points from their first two games.
The two time AFCON champions have so far been the disappointment of the tournament, losing 2-0 to Uganda and then Egypt.
However, a win against Zimbabwe may see them through to the knockout stages as one of the four best third placed teams.
“After the unacceptable performance we produced against Uganda, the boys played a great game against Egypt and will fight for three points against Zimbabwe,” vowed DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge ahead of Sunday’s game.
Ibange has been criticized for his team selection in the first two games and will be hoping that whoever he puts out onto the pitch on Sunday, can produce the goods.
Ibange has not handed captain Youssuf Mulumbu any minutes so far and was at the receiving end of a back-lash after starting Yannick Bolasie on the bench, in the loss against Egypt.
The Warriors have met the Leopards three times so far,.
Zimbabwe have won one of those three games, drawing the other two.
Both draws finished with the same score line of 1:1.
The other group A game will see Uganda take on Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on the same day and time.
The other games to be played on Sunday
-Burundi vs Guinea @7pm
-Madagascar vs Nigeria @7pm
Saturday’s results
-Mauritania 0-0 Angola
-Cameroon 0-0 Ghana
-Benin 0-0 Guinea-Bissau
