The Democratic Republic of the Congo will host Sierra Leone at the Stade des Martyrs de Kinshasa on Thursday, 12 November 2026, in the third round of CAN 2027 qualifying. Congolese sports journalist and analyst Emery Kabongo expects the Leopards to strengthen their position in Group E.
On paper, the Democratic Republic of the Congo have the stronger squad and greater international experience. However, Sierra Leone could make the contest difficult if they defend compactly and make effective use of counter-attacking opportunities.
The Leopards have won both of their qualifying matches so far. They began with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea before beating Zimbabwe 2-1.
Their most recent results have been less convincing, however. The Democratic Republic of the Congo played two friendlies against Uganda without winning, losing the first 2-0 and drawing the second 1-1.
Sierra Leone have had a difficult start to their CAN 2027 campaign. They lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea and were then beaten 3-2 by Zimbabwe in their opening two fixtures.
Previous meetings and key figures
The two teams have not met frequently in recent years. Their most recent clearly documented encounter took place on 27 September 2022, when the Democratic Republic of the Congo won a friendly 3-0.
They also faced each other twice in 2014 during qualifying for CAN 2015. The Leopards won both matches, taking the first leg 2-0 and the return fixture 3-1.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo scored four goals across their first two qualifying matches, averaging two per game. Sierra Leone conceded four goals in their opening two fixtures.
The last meeting between the sides ended in a 3-0 victory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Based on those figures, the available betting options include more than two total goals at odds of 1.86, while more than 2.5 goals is priced at 1.25. The double chance in favour of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is listed at 1.006.
Match predictions and odds
1xBet’s key prices make the Democratic Republic of the Congo clear favourites. A home win is priced at 1.24, a Sierra Leone victory at 11.8 and the draw at 5.3.
For the CAN 2027 qualifying match listed for 12 November 2027, Kabongo’s assessment is that the Democratic Republic of the Congo have enough quality to win and consolidate their position in Group E. Sierra Leone are likely to require an especially disciplined defensive display to avoid defeat.
A first-half victory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo is priced at 1.71, while the possibility of the home side scoring more than once before the interval is offered at 2.18.
The recommended correct-score selection is 3-0 at odds of 7. The reasoning is that the Democratic Republic of the Congo have home advantage and the stronger squad, while Sierra Leone arrive after two qualifying defeats. A home win without conceding is therefore considered a credible outcome.
The corner prediction is fewer than nine corners at 1.62. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s last 10 matches have produced an average of 6.6 corners in total. Five of those games went beyond 7.5 corners but did not reach eight.
Odds may change.