DR Congo vs Zambia Preview & Prediction | 2023 Africa Cup of Nations | Group Stage
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THE FACTS
When is DR Congo vs Zambia on and what time does it start? DR Congo vs Zambia will take place on Wednesday 17th January, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for DR Congo vs Zambia? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is DR Congo vs Zambia on in the UK? DR Congo vs Zambia will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream DR Congo vs Zambia in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream DR Congo vs Zambia live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
DR CONGO
The Democratic Republic of Congo head into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations boasting a lot of attacking depth with several players fighting for what could be a very offensive and proactive 4-4-2 system, under the management of former Wydad Casablanca and Esperance de Tunis boss, Sebastian Desabre.
Ranked 67th in the world by FIFA, The Leopards have an attack that includes the likes of Gael Kakuta and Cedric Bakambu. Despite that attacking pedigree, they have scored more than one goal in a game on just three occasions in their last ten matches and they haven’t scored more than two goals in a game in that run, either.
ZAMBIA
Former Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham United manager Avram Grant was appointed manager of the Zambian national side in December 2022. Since the Israeli took charge of the Zambians, they have been much-improved having played 15 matches with nine victories, four defeats and two draws in that time.
Zambia’s most recent outing was a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in their final warm-up match, last week. They began qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 4-2 defeat of The Congo in mid-November before then suffering a shock 2-1 loss to Niger. They head into this tournament as a bit of an unknown quantity.
THE TEAM NEWS
DR CONGO
The Democratic Republic of Congo have had a major injury issue in the build-up to this tournament with Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe having to withdraw from the squad, being replaced by Omenuke Mfulu.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Masuaku; Kakuta, Tshibola, Moutoussamy, Diangana; Bongonda, Bakambu
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
ZAMBIA
Avram Grant was able to name his 27-man squad before the New Year and, unlike their opposition in this opening encounter, the Zambians have no injury concerns and have a fully fit, available squad for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Nsabata; Chepeshi, Sunzu, Chanda, Kabwe; B.Sakala, Kampamba; Banda, L.Musonda, F.Sakala; Daka
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
The Democratic Republic of Congo have a plethora of attacking options but they are lacking a little bit of clarity and cohesion. As mentioned, they have struggled to score consistently and it would be suggested their attack is underperforming. They now face a Zambian side that have a few attacking options of their own but are reliant on Patson Daka with Avram Grant likely to lead a functional team, rather than fluent one. As a result, a low-scoring opener is expected for this one on Wednesday evening.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
