Zimbabwe vs Congo DR - Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification

Zimbabwe prepare to host Congo DR at the home ground on September 28, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification season. Chelsea take on Serie A giants Juventus in Hong Kong this morning in the latest fixture on their pre-season tour of Asia.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Zimbabwe will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Congo DR will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Zimbabwe will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Congo DR must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Their press is quick and co-ordinated in some areas of the pitch and not others.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. If Napoli are able to rehome Lucca this summer, then they will be left with just one senior centre-forward in their squad and a new addition would then become a necessity.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. Whatever the outcome, the Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.