Congo DR 3–1 Sierra Leone

A six-point gap in Group E

Congo DR lead Group E with six points from two matches, while Sierra Leone sit fourth on zero. The sides are separated by six points and three places, making this a chance for the leaders to widen the gap and for Sierra Leone to begin closing it. With four teams in the group, points are important for both sides’ hopes of staying in touch.

Congo DR arrive on a winning run

Congo DR have won both of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, scoring four goals and conceding one, with one clean sheet. They also won their sole home qualifier, scoring twice without conceding.

Sierra Leone have lost both qualifying matches, scoring twice and conceding four, and have yet to keep a clean sheet. Their only away qualifier ended in defeat, with no goal scored. These figures cover two matches in this competition only, rather than either team’s broader season form.

One previous meeting

The teams’ only listed meeting came in a friendly in September 2022, when Congo DR won 3-0. Congo DR have won that one encounter, with no draw or Sierra Leone victory.

Players to watch

No individual players are named, so the focus falls on Congo DR’s recent scoring output in qualifying and Sierra Leone’s need to find a response after two defeats. The visitors have scored twice across their two matches in this competition, but conceded four.

Our prediction

Congo DR have the edge after two wins and a stronger defensive record, while Sierra Leone’s consecutive defeats leave them needing a sharp improvement. A home win or a draw is the likeliest direction, but the visitors can still make the leaders work for it.