Critical Moment for DRC in Kinshasa Showdown
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) square off against Sudan at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Tuesday. This match is critical for the DRC as they aim to secure a place in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game kicks off at 9 PM CAT.
DRC’s World Cup Qualification Scenario
The DRC recently achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé. This triumph keeps them in pursuit of Group B leaders Senegal, who sit two points ahead. Senegal could clinch their World Cup spot with a victory against Mauritania on the same day.
For the DRC to qualify, they need two outcomes: a win against Sudan and a loss for Senegal. In the event of a draw in the Senegal vs. Mauritania match, the DRC would level points with Senegal but would need to outscore them to secure the top position. Remarkably, to advance with a draw, the DRC would need a seven-goal win to match Senegal’s goal difference.
Current Group Standings
- 1st: Senegal – 15 points
- 2nd: DRC – 13 points
- 3rd: Sudan – 13 points
- 4th: Mauritania – 0 points
A win for the DRC would place them above Uganda by one point in their push for a slot in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Sudan’s Position
Sudan currently occupies the third spot in Group B, with 13 points amassed over nine games. They have secured three wins, four draws, and two losses. However, their chances of World Cup qualification have ended, and they will approach this match aiming to finish on a strong note.
Previous Encounters
In their last meeting, Sudan triumphed over the DRC with a scoreline of 1-0 in November 2023, which took place at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. That win adds some historical tension to this upcoming matchup.
Key Players to Watch
- Cédric Bakambu (DRC): The Real Betis forward has scored three goals and provided two assists in six qualifiers. He has a total of 20 goals in 61 international appearances.
- Mohamed Eisa (Sudan): The 31-year-old center forward has scored two goals in five qualifiers and has three goals in 13 caps for his national team.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | DRC Wins | Sudan Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
As the DRC and Sudan prepare to meet, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams will look to make their mark in this pivotal qualification match.
