Ethiopia Vs DR Congo

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers enter their second round, Ethiopia is set to host DR Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Monday evening. This match promises to be a pivotal encounter as both teams seek to solidify their positions in the competition.

Current Form and Context

Ethiopia’s campaign began with a draw against Tanzania, a result that left them with just one point from their first match. The Ethiopian side was unable to break the deadlock in their opening fixture, showcasing a familiar issue with their attacking prowess. In contrast, DR Congo made a strong start with a narrow 1-0 victory over Guinea. This win at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa provided a crucial three points for the Congolese team.

DR Congo’s Recent Success

Under the guidance of manager Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline in their opener. The solitary goal in their match against Guinea came courtesy of Edo Kayembe, who scored in the 27th minute. Kayembe’s goal, his third in four league matches this season, underscored his form and importance to the team. DR Congo’s victory was hard-fought but essential, earning them a valuable three points.

Following their exit from the 2024 AFCON, where they were defeated by South Africa, DR Congo has shown considerable improvement. They are currently on a run of three unbeaten matches, including two consecutive victories without conceding. This defensive solidity and their winning streak have positioned them as strong contenders in Group H.

Despite their recent success, DR Congo’s away form has been inconsistent. They have secured only one away win since June 2023, which raises questions about their ability to perform on the road. Nonetheless, a win in Dar es Salaam would allow DR Congo to take charge of the group before their upcoming double-header against Tanzania in October.

Ethiopia’s Attacking Challenges

Ethiopia’s match against Tanzania highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal. The goalless draw marked their fifth failure to score in their last eight matches. Their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances was evident, as they failed to register a single shot on target during the match. This lack of attacking threat has been a recurring issue for the Walia Ibex.

Despite these concerns, there was a silver lining for Ethiopia. They managed to keep a clean sheet, their second in three matches, following a period where they had only one clean sheet in five games. This defensive improvement, however, needs to be complemented by better attacking performance if they hope to advance in the qualifiers.

Historical Context and Significance

Ethiopia and DR Congo have a storied history in the Africa Cup of Nations, with their only previous encounter being a semi-final match in the 1968 edition of the tournament. DR Congo won that thrilling encounter 3-2 after extra time, a result that highlighted their ability to prevail in high-stakes situations.

Ethiopia, having missed the last AFCON tournament, is eager to make their mark this time around. They are determined to rectify their previous shortcomings and establish a foothold in the qualifying stages. A strong performance against DR Congo could be pivotal for their campaign, setting the tone for the rest of their fixtures.

Tactical Considerations

For Ethiopia, the key to success will be overcoming their attacking issues. Coach Gebremedhin Haile must find a way to translate possession into goalscoring opportunities. Improved creativity and finishing will be crucial against a DR Congo side that has shown defensive resilience.

On the other hand, DR Congo will look to capitalize on their current form and exploit Ethiopia’s weaknesses. Their ability to maintain a solid defense while transitioning effectively on the counter-attack could be decisive. Manager Sébastien Desabre will aim to continue leveraging the form of key players like Edo Kayembe to secure another crucial victory.

Conclusion

As the 2025 AFCON qualifiers progress, the clash between Ethiopia and DR Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium is set to be a significant fixture. Both teams have their own set of challenges and objectives, with Ethiopia seeking to overcome their attacking woes and DR Congo aiming to consolidate their position at the top of Group H. The outcome of this match could have substantial implications for the remainder of the qualifiers, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.