Congo DR’s winning run faces a Sierra Leone side seeking a response

Group E pressure

Congo DR arrive with three consecutive wins in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, while Sierra Leone have lost their three matches in the competition. Congo DR lead Group E with nine points; Sierra Leone are fourth on zero, nine points behind.

Those records give the visitors the clearer position going into this Group Stage fixture, but the standings alone do not establish what a result would mean for qualification. Sierra Leone will be looking to halt their losing run, while Congo DR can aim to extend theirs.

Scoring and defending in the group

Across their three matches in this competition, Congo DR have scored seven goals and conceded two. Sierra Leone have scored three and conceded seven in the same number of games, a contrast that points to an advantage for the visitors at both ends.

The home split offers a possible counterpoint: Sierra Leone scored twice in their one home qualifying match, although they conceded three and lost it. Congo DR’s only away match in the competition was a win, with two goals scored and one conceded. A pattern to watch is whether Sierra Leone can turn home scoring into a more controlled performance against an away side that has already taken three points on the road.

A recent meeting to consider

The teams met in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on 12 November, when Congo DR beat Sierra Leone 3-1. Across the two listed meetings between them, both in different competitions, Congo DR have won twice and there have been no draws.

Our prediction

Congo DR’s three-match winning run and stronger scoring and conceding record make them the more convincing side on the available evidence. Sierra Leone’s home scoring offers a reason not to dismiss their chances, but the visitors have the edge, with a draw also a plausible outcome.