Wissa inspires DRC to victory as Tunisia are held by Botswana

Yoane Wissa scored and set up another goal as the Democratic Republic of the Congo defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare, while Tunisia and Botswana shared a 2-2 draw.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo strengthened its position at the top of Group E with a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in Harare in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Yoane Wissa was central to the result, scoring in the 30th minute before creating the second goal for Samuel Moutoussamy in first-half added time. Marshall Munetsi pulled one back for Zimbabwe in the 93rd minute, but the hosts could not find an equaliser.

The result gives the Democratic Republic of the Congo six points from two Group E matches. Its opening victory was a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea.

Wissa makes the difference in Harare

Wissa opened the scoring after Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze allowed a cross to escape his grasp. The forward reacted to put the visitors ahead.

He then supplied the pass that sent Moutoussamy through for the second goal shortly before half-time. Munetsi’s late finish offered Zimbabwe hope, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo held on for its second consecutive group victory.

The match also marked Zimbabwe’s return to home competition football after a long absence. The country had last played an international match at home in November 2021, before its Harare stadium was judged unsuitable for international fixtures and underwent lengthy renovations.

Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso win

Equatorial Guinea defeated Sierra Leone 1-0 in Yaounde, with Loren Zuniga scoring in the opening minute. The match was played at a neutral venue because Equatorial Guinea is among 11 of the 48 AFCON group-stage qualifiers reported to lack an international-standard stadium.

Sierra Leone remain without a point in the group, while Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea each have three points.

In another qualifying match, Burkina Faso beat the Central African Republic 1-0 in Casablanca. Aboubacar Camara scored the second-half winner.

Botswana hold Tunisia

Tunisia were held to a 2-2 draw by Botswana in Rades, near Tunis. Botswana took the lead before Hazem Mastouri scored twice for Tunisia, with one goal coming either side of half-time.

Substitute Lebogang Ditsele restored parity for Botswana on the hour. The result leaves Botswana top of Group H on goals scored, ahead of Tunisia.

It was Botswana’s second consecutive 2-2 draw, following the same scoreline in its previous match against Libya.