2026 World Cup qualifiers: DRC off to a good start

The 2026 World Cup qualifiers kicked off on Wednesday, November 15. Equatorial Guinea and DRC already have one win to their name.

Captain Chancel Mbemba guided his team to qualify for the 2024 AFCON. (File photo). AFP - GIUSEPPE CACACE

By: Farid Achache Follow

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The DRC got off to a great start in these qualifiers by beating Mauritania (2-0) at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The Leopards' coach, Sébastien Desabre, had started Cédric Bakambu, Gaël Kakuta and Chancel Mbemba. Brentford striker Yoane Wissa opened the scoring in the second half (63').

Dribbling past the Mauritanian goalkeeper, Theo Bongonda doubled the lead, having provided the assist for the first goal (81'). The DRC made a good first operation in this group B where Senegal is the scarecrow. The DRC will face Sudan next Sunday on the second day. Amir Abdou's Mauritania will face South Sudan.

It was also a successful start for Equatorial Guinea who beat Namibia by the narrowest of scores (1-0). Emilio Nsue scored the only goal of the game in the second half (67'). For its second matchday, Equatorial Guinea will face Liberia next Monday. Meanwhile, Namibia will be looking to score at least a first point against Sao Tome and Principe on Tuesday on Moroccan soil.

Another match of the day: Rwanda-Zimbabwe in Group C. The Rwandans settled for a draw (0-0). Zimbabwe will face Nigeria on Sunday, while Rwanda will look for a first win against South Africa on Tuesday.

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