The match, played before a capacity crowd at the National Sports Stadium, saw the visitors take control early. Wissa broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, capitalising on an error by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who failed to secure a cross, allowing the forward to poke the loose ball home. Just before the halftime whistle, Wissa turned provider, threading a precise pass to Samuel Moutoussamy, who doubled the lead for the visitors.
Dominant Display and Tactical Control
DR Congo showcased their superiority throughout the first half, effectively neutralising the hosts, who currently sit 89 places below them in the world rankings. Wissa remained a constant threat throughout the contest, nearly adding to his tally on multiple occasions. He narrowly missed the target with a first-half effort and struck the woodwork shortly after the hour mark, coming close to securing a hat-trick.
Zimbabwe, playing their first home fixture since November 2021 following extensive stadium renovations, showed resilience after the break. Their persistence was rewarded in the 93rd minute when Marshall Munetsi, currently playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers, scored a consolation goal. Despite the late surge, the visitors held firm to secure their second consecutive win of the campaign. The victory leaves DR Congo at the top of Group E with six points, having previously defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-0.
Broader AFCON Qualifying Developments
Elsewhere in the qualifying rounds, Equatorial Guinea secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone in Yaounde, courtesy of an early strike from Loren Zuniga. Meanwhile, in Group F, Burkina Faso claimed a 1-0 win against the Central African Republic in Casablanca, with Aboubacar Camara providing the decisive goal in the second half.
In Group H, Tunisia faced further frustration, recording their second 2-2 draw in four days, this time against Botswana. Despite two goals from Hazem Mastouri, Tunisia were pegged back by a clever lob from Botswana substitute Lebogang Ditsele. The result leaves Botswana at the top of their group on goal difference, while Tunisia continues to struggle under the leadership of their fourth coach of the year, Mouin Chaabani.
