Congo DR vs Sudan Preview: Predictions Team News and Lineups Revealed
Congo DR will host Sudan on Tuesday in an important World Cup qualifying match at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium. This clash marks the final fixture for both teams in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The stakes are high for Congo DR, which is pursuing automatic qualification, needing a win to remain in contention. Conversely, Sudan will play for pride after being eliminated from World Cup contention.
Congo DR’s Qualification Quest
The national team, commonly known as the Leopards, currently sits second in the group with 19 points. They are trailing group leaders Senegal by two points, having achieved six wins, one draw, and two losses across nine matches. This record includes 14 goals scored and only six conceded, showcasing their solid defense, which stands as the third-best in the group.
Congo DR’s recent victory against Togo, secured by a goal from Cedric Bakambu, has reignited their hopes for qualification. With their last appearance in a World Cup dating back to 1974, a win on home soil could bring them closer to ending that long drought. If they do not secure automatic qualification, the team still has a chance to reach the playoffs.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Congo DR holds an upper hand over Sudan, winning three out of their last five encounters. However, they lost the latest match-up 1-0, putting additional pressure on them for this fixture.
Sudan’s Challenges
On the other hand, Sudan’s campaign has been disappointing. Their journey ended in a goalless draw against Mauritania, leaving them with 13 points from three wins, four draws, and two losses. This puts them six points behind Congo DR and eight points behind Senegal.
Ranked 116th globally, Sudan has struggled, especially in their attacking play, failing to score in their last three matches. After a promising start to their qualifiers, they have withered under pressure, prompting them to aim for a positive finish against Congo DR.
Current Form
- Congo DR World Cup Qualifying: WWWWLW
- Congo DR Overall: WWWWLW
- Sudan World Cup Qualifying: WDDLLD
- Sudan Overall: DDDLLD
Team News
Congo DR may have to cope without midfielder Charles Pickel, who suffered a head injury in the previous match. Ngal’ayel Mukau could be given a starting position, while Lionel Mpasi is likely to remain in goal. The attack will be led by Bakambu, supported by Nathanael Mbuku and Ibrahim Mayele, who assisted in the last game.
For Sudan, striker Saif Thierry, with nine goals in 29 appearances, may offer the needed spark as they look to improve their scoring rate. Mohamed Eisa, who has netted twice in this qualifying round, is expected to feature prominently, alongside Saifeldin Malik Bakhit and Walieldin Khidir. In midfield, Yaser Awad Boshara and Abdel Raouf are anticipated to maintain their partnership.
Projected Lineups
| Congo DR | Sudan |
|---|---|
| Mpasi; | Abuzaid; |
| Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Bushiri, Tuanzebe; | Nouh, Adel, Abaker, Khames; |
| Moutoussamy, Mukau, Masuaku; | Eisa, Raouf, Boshara, Karshoum; |
| Mbuku, Bakambu, Mayele; | Taifour, Thierry; |
Match Prediction
Given the stakes of this encounter, Congo DR is expected to perform strongly, leveraging home field advantage. They are favored to secure a victory against a struggling Sudan team that has encountered significant challenges in recent matches. A predicted scoreline of Congo DR 1-0 Sudan reflects the anticipated outcome.
