Tanzania Vs DR Congo

The anticipation is building as the top two teams in Group H of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers prepare to lock horns at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. On Tuesday, Tanzania will host DR Congo in a crucial match that could significantly shape the outcome of the group and determine which team advances to Morocco for the prestigious tournament. As the tension rises, both sides are poised to deliver an intense battle, with each having different motivations driving them toward victory.

DR Congo comes into the game on a high after their recent narrow victory over Tanzania. They are now just one win away from securing their place in the 2025 AFCON. For Tanzania, the hosts are eager to bounce back from that frustrating defeat and solidify their standing in the group, where they currently sit in second place behind their Congolese rivals. This match is crucial for both sides as they navigate the final stages of their AFCON qualifying campaign.

Match Preview: Momentum and High Stakes

The first leg between the two teams, played last Thursday at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, saw DR Congo eke out a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania. The match was closely contested, with few clear-cut chances on either side. In the end, a stroke of bad luck for Tanzania’s defense decided the game when Clement Mzize turned the ball into his own net early in the second half, giving Congo DR all three points.

DR Congo’s victory in Kinshasa was hard-earned but significant. Managed by Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, Les Léopards have been in sensational form during this qualification campaign. They are one of only six teams to maintain a perfect record so far in the AFCON qualifiers. Currently, they lead Group H, five points ahead of second-placed Tanzania. A victory in Dar es Salaam would not only confirm DR Congo’s qualification for AFCON 2025 but also allow them to finish the group stage undefeated.

After their triumph in the reverse fixture, DR Congo now boasts an impressive run of form. They have won four consecutive matches and are unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions. This streak began after their disappointing loss to South Africa in the third-place match at the 2024 AFCON. Desabre has clearly regrouped his squad since then, turning them into one of the strongest teams in African football.

What makes Congo DR even more formidable is their defense. They have kept clean sheets in all four of their recent victories, and their defensive discipline has become a cornerstone of their strategy. The ability to shut out opponents, especially in high-pressure games, bodes well for their trip to Tanzania, where a win would confirm their place in Morocco. Tanzania will need to be at their attacking best to break through DR Congo’s well-organized backline.

Tanzania’s Challenge: Bouncing Back

On the other side of the pitch, Tanzania will be disappointed not to have capitalized on their opportunities in the previous game. They were arguably the better side for large portions of the match in Kinshasa, creating chances and controlling possession. However, they were ultimately undone by an unfortunate own goal. Had the result gone their way, Tanzania would now be sitting at the top of Group H, rather than trailing Congo DR by five points.

That defeat marked Tanzania’s first loss in six matches across all competitions. Before the game in Kinshasa, the Taifa Stars had been on a solid run of form. Hemed Suleiman’s men had picked up three wins and two draws in their previous five matches, which included crucial victories in the AFCON qualifiers and friendly matches. This period of stability and growth had raised hopes of Tanzania securing their place in Morocco for the 2025 AFCON.

Despite the setback in DR Congo, Tanzania will be buoyed by their recent record. They have not suffered back-to-back defeats in competitive matches since 2022, and maintaining that resilience will be key as they prepare for the final three qualifiers. With games against Guinea and Ethiopia still to come in the next international window, Tuesday’s match against DR Congo takes on added importance. A victory here would not only close the gap on their Congolese rivals but also put them in a strong position to secure qualification in their remaining fixtures.

Currently, Tanzania sits one point clear of Guinea and three points ahead of Ethiopia in the group standings. This means the Taifa Stars are in a three-way battle with those teams for the second qualification spot behind DR Congo. Securing points on Tuesday will be critical if Tanzania wants to keep control of their own destiny heading into November’s final two matches.

Tanzania’s Path to AFCON 2025: Key Factors and Challenges

For Tanzania, this upcoming match is more than just a chance for redemption; it’s an opportunity to showcase their progress on the continental stage. Under Hemed Suleiman’s guidance, the Taifa Stars have developed into a cohesive and competitive unit. They have shown resilience in their campaign so far, with a balanced approach that has seen them win key matches without being overly reliant on any single player.

In their attack, Tanzania boasts several talented players capable of making a difference. Forward Simon Msuva has been a standout performer in this qualification cycle, providing goals and assists that have propelled Tanzania into contention. Alongside him, players like Mbwana Samatta and Feisal Salum have offered creativity and leadership on the field. This trio will be key to breaking down Congo DR’s defense and securing the crucial victory Tanzania needs.

Tanzania’s defense, too, has held firm in most of their qualifiers. They have conceded only three goals in five matches, a testament to their organization and discipline at the back. Goalkeeper Aishi Manula has been particularly impressive, pulling off a string of important saves to keep his team in the hunt for qualification. Against Congo DR, Tanzania’s defense will need to be at its best to neutralize the threat posed by the visitors’ attacking players.

One of the key challenges for Tanzania will be handling the pressure of the occasion. Playing in front of their home fans at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, the Taifa Stars will have the crowd behind them. However, this support also comes with the weight of expectation. The stakes are high, and any slip-ups could be costly in the race for AFCON qualification. Suleiman will need to ensure that his players stay focused and composed throughout the match.

Another factor that could play a role is fatigue. Tanzania’s players have been involved in a hectic schedule of qualifiers and domestic competitions in recent months. With the match against DR Congo coming just days after their first encounter in Kinshasa, Suleiman may need to rotate his squad to keep his team fresh. The depth of Tanzania’s squad will be tested, especially against a Congo DR side that has shown no signs of slowing down.

Congo DR: Road to AFCON 2025

For Congo DR, this match represents a chance to wrap up qualification and continue their momentum heading into the 2025 AFCON. Sébastien Desabre’s side has been one of the most consistent teams in African football in recent months, and their qualification campaign has been nearly flawless. With four wins from four games and zero goals conceded, Les Léopards have set the standard for the rest of the continent.

The standout performer for Congo DR during this campaign has been their defense. Players like Chancel Mbemba and Arthur Masuaku have marshaled the backline superbly, while goalkeeper Joel Kiassumbua has been virtually unbeatable between the posts. Congo DR’s ability to shut out opponents has allowed them to control games and grind out results when needed.

In attack, Congo DR has a wealth of options. Cedric Bakambu and Gael Kakuta have been pivotal in creating chances and scoring goals throughout the qualifiers. They will once again be expected to lead the line against Tanzania, using their pace and technical ability to unlock the hosts’ defense. Desabre’s tactical approach has been highly effective, blending defensive solidity with quick, incisive counter-attacks.

A win in Dar es Salaam would see Congo DR become one of the first teams to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, joining hosts Morocco. This would be a significant achievement for Desabre, who has been steadily building a team capable of competing with the best in Africa. For Congo DR, securing qualification early would also allow them to focus on preparing for the tournament itself, where they will be aiming to improve on their third-place finish in 2024.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Clash in Group H

As Tanzania and Congo DR prepare to face off at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Tanzania, a win is essential to keep their AFCON hopes alive and maintain their push for a place in Morocco. For Congo DR, victory would seal their qualification and confirm their status as one of the continent’s elite teams.

With so much on the line, Tuesday’s encounter promises to be a thrilling contest between two sides with everything to play for. Tanzania will be looking to harness the energy of their home crowd, while Congo DR will rely on their experience and defensive strength to get the job done. As the qualification campaign reaches its climax, this match could be the defining moment in Group H.