The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), known as the Léopards, is transitioning its focus from a historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the schedule for the initial two matchdays. Placed in Group E, the Léopards will kick off their qualifying journey at home against Equatorial Guinea on September 24. Subsequently, on September 28, coach Sébastien Desabre's squad will travel to Harare to confront Zimbabwe at the National Sports Stadium. Nigerian officials, led by Joseph Odey Ogabor, will preside over the first encounter, while an Egyptian refereeing team, with Amin Mohammed Omar as the central official, will manage the second match. This new chapter follows their unprecedented achievement of reaching the Round of 16 at the World Cup.
