Tanzania and Congo DR will be playing for a spot in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations as they face each other at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Wednesday night.
Match preview:
Tanzania, who were seen as the Group F’s underdogs before the tournament, managed to exceed expectations and still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage if they win their final match.
While Congo DR is eyeing a win to strengthen their chances of advancing to the next round.
In their opening match, Tanzania suffered a 3-0 loss to Morocco but managed to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Zambia.
Simon Msuva gave them the early lead, but Patson Daka’s late header for Zambia left Tanzania with a share of the spoils.
The Taifa Stars have never won an AFCON match in their history, but they have two wins, two draws, and two defeats against Congo DR in their previous meetings.
Congo DR, who were considered favorites to qualify from the group, had a disappointing start to their campaign.
They managed to secure a point against Morocco, but they were held to a goalless draw by Zambia.
Poor decision-making in the final third has been the Leopards’ biggest problem, having played 35 shots across the first two matches with just eight on target, resulting in just two goals. They will rely heavily on their firepower, especially Cedric Bakambu, to secure a crucial win.
Team news:
Tanzania will be without their head coach but will have Novatus Miroshi back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension.
Simon Msuva is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup, while Mbwana Samatta will lead the attack.
Congo DR’s Silas Katompa Mvumpa is pushing for a place in the starting lineup after coming off the bench to score last time out.
Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa, who scored their only goal in their opener against Zambia, will spearhead the attack alongside Cedric Bakambu.
Possible lineups:
Tanzania: (4-2-3-1)
Manula;
Mnoga, Nondo, Hamad, Mohamed;
Miroshi, Mkami;
Kibu, Salum, Msuva;
Samatta
Congo DR: (4-3-3)
M’Pasi;
Masuaku, Kiranga, Mbemba, Kalulu;
Kakuta, Moutoussamy, Pickel;
Wissa, Mvumpa, Bakambu
Prediction: Tanzania 0-2 Congo DR
Considering Tanzania’s struggles to keep opponents at bay, Congo DR’s firepower could make the difference in this game. The Taifa Stars might find themselves outgunned by the Leopards, who are expected to secure an important win.
