Munetsi’s late strike not enough for Zimbabwe against DR Congo

Marshall Munetsi scored in added time but his late strike was not enough as Zimbabwe suffered a 2-1 defeat to Democratic Republic of Congo in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Monday.

The Warriors were looking to build on their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Sierra Leone in their opening Group E match.

However, DR Congo proved too strong in Harare, with Yoane Wissa playing a decisive role as the visitors secured their second win of the qualifying campaign.

Wissa punishes Zimbabwe mistake

DR Congo opened the scoring in the 30th minute after Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze failed to collect a cross.

The loose ball fell to Wissa, who made no mistake from close range to put the visitors ahead.

The Newcastle United striker then turned provider as DR Congo doubled their advantage shortly before half-time.

Wissa sent Samuel Moutoussamy through on goal and the midfielder calmly finished to score his first goal for the national team.

Moutoussamy made his international debut in 2019 and has since gone on to earn more than 60 caps for DR Congo.

Munetsi gives Zimbabwe late hope

Zimbabwe improved after the break and continued pushing for a way back into the contest.

Their persistence finally paid off in the third minute of added time when Munetsi pulled one goal back.

The midfielder was in the right place at the back post and turned the ball home from a corner to give the Warriors hope of another dramatic comeback.

However, unlike their match against Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe could not find a second late goal.

Munetsi has now scored three goals in the opening two matches of Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifying campaign, having scored twice in the 3-2 comeback victory over Sierra Leone.

The Warriors remain second in Group E

The defeat leaves Zimbabwe on three points after two matches.

DR Congo moved to the top of Group E with six points after winning both of their opening fixtures.

Equatorial Guinea also moved onto three points after beating Sierra Leone 1-0 in Yaoundé, with Spanish-born forward Loren Zúñiga scoring inside the opening minute.

Sierra Leone remain without a point after two matches.

The result means Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea are level on three points, while DR Congo have an early three-point advantage at the top of the group.