Congo DR vs. Tanzania: Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Match Preview

The stage is set for an exciting encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match between Congo DR and Tanzania. The two teams will face off at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Thursday, October 10, 2024, with Congo DR aiming to extend their unbeaten run at home.

1. Congo DR's Solid Start

Congo DR has made a stellar start to their AFCON qualifying campaign. They have won two matches in a row, including a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on September 9, 2024, and a 1-0 win against Guinea on September 3, 2024. This impressive run has seen them accumulate seven points from four games in Group B of the qualifiers, placing them third in the table, three points behind Sudan in the automatic qualification spot.

The Leopards have been particularly strong on home soil, with a streak of five consecutive competitive home victories since June 2022. Their recent form has seen them go three consecutive games without defeat across all competitions, claiming three wins and one draw while scoring six goals and conceding twice.

2. Tanzania's Resilient Performance

Tanzania, on the other hand, has shown remarkable resilience in their qualifying campaign. They secured their first win in the AFCON qualifying race with a 2-1 victory over Guinea on September 4, 2024. The Taifa Stars fought back from behind to secure the win, with Mohamed Bayo scoring shortly before the hour mark and Feisal Salum and Mudathir Yahya completing the comeback with an 88th-minute strike.

Tanzania has also had a solid run of results, picking up two draws and three wins in their last five games across all competitions. They are currently second in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers with six points from a possible nine.

3. Team Lineups and Key Players

Congo DR has named a strong squad for the upcoming matches, with key players like Simon Banza, Gael Kakuta, and veteran defender Chancel Mbemba expected to start. Mbemba and Henoc Inonga are likely to retain their roles in the back four, while Charles Pickel, Chadrac Akolo, and Samuel Moutoussamy should start in midfield. Samuel Essende is expected to lead the attack alongside Kakuta and Banza.

Tanzania's lineup is expected to feature Mohamed Husseini, Ibrahim Hamad, Dickson Job, and Lusajo Mwaikenda in the back four. The team has shown consistency in their recent performances, with many players from the previous qualifying matches expected to feature again.

4. Prediction and Analysis

Sports Mole predicts a 2-1 victory for Congo DR in this crucial match. The Leopards have been near impenetrable on home soil, and while Tanzania will undoubtedly put up a fight, the home team's recent form and solid squad make them favorites to win.

The match promises to be an exciting encounter with both teams looking to secure crucial points in their quest for AFCON qualification. The stage is set for an intense battle at the Stade des Martyrs, and fans can expect a thrilling match with plenty of action.

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