2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Sébastien Desabre wary of Equatorial Guinea

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is set to kick off its campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Leopards host Equatorial Guinea on Thursday 24 September at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa for their opening match. On the eve of the fixture, Sébastien Desabre addressed the media at a press conference.

Speaking to the media, the DR Congo manager acknowledged the qualities of the Equatorial Guinea side and expects a tough challenge.

“They’re a good side, with players who play abroad for top clubs. It won’t be easy, as they play a Spanish style of football based on possession. It’ll be a closely fought contest, but we’ll try to make the difference, especially as we’re playing at home,” explained Sébastien Desabre.

The Leopards will therefore need to capitalise on the support of their home crowd at the Stade des Martyrs to get their qualifying campaign off to a good start. Following this opening match in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will travel to Zimbabwe to face the Warriors on matchday two.