DR Congo and Ivory Coast Open AFCON Qualifiers with Decisive Wins

BRUSSELS — DR Congo and Ivory Coast opened the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with convincing wins, setting a competitive tone for the rest of the group stage. The Congolese side claimed a comfortable victory in Kinshasa, while the Ivorian team edged Ghana 2‑0 in a match that saw new striker Yalcouye score on his debut.

DR Congo’s Comfortable Home Victory

In the opening fixture of Group B, DR Congo hosted the Republic of the Congo at the Stade des Martyrs. The match finished with a 3‑0 scoreline in favour of the hosts, according to Flashscore.com. The Congolese side dominated possession and created several clear chances, with the final goal coming in the 78th minute from a well‑placed header by forward M. K. Mbala. The win gives DR Congo a strong start in the 12‑team qualification pool that will determine the 12 teams advancing to the final tournament in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast’s 2‑0 Win Over Ghana

Ivory Coast’s opening match in Group A was played at the Accra Sports Stadium, where the team defeated Ghana 2‑0, as reported by Punch Newspapers. The Ivorian side’s first goal was scored by Yalcouye in the 23rd minute, a debut for the 19‑year‑old striker. The second goal, a penalty converted by striker K. T. N’Golo in the 57th minute, sealed the win. The victory places Ivory Coast at the top of Group A with two points, while Ghana remains in the relegation zone of the group standings.

Implications for the Qualifying Campaign

Both matches were played on 24 September 2026, the first day of the qualifying window that runs until 2027. The results give the two teams a positive start, but the qualification format requires each team to play six matches in a home-and-away round robin. The top two teams from each of the twelve groups will qualify for the final tournament in Ivory Coast, scheduled for January 2027.

Historical Context

DR Congo has a long history in the AFCON, having won the tournament twice, in 1968 and 1972. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, is the reigning champion, having won the 2023 edition. The two teams have faced each other twice in recent qualifiers, with Ivory Coast winning 2‑1 in 2025. The current results reinforce the competitive balance between the two sides.

Match Highlights and Key Performances

In Kinshasa, DR Congo’s midfield trio of L. M. Kanyama, P. T. N’Goma, and J. M. B. Mbala controlled the tempo, with the latter also contributing to the goal. The Republic of the Congo’s defense was unable to contain the Congolese attack, and the match was described as a “comfortable win” by the local press.

In Accra, Ghana’s defense was exposed early, allowing Yalcouye to find the net from a cross in the 23rd minute. Ghana’s attempts to recover were thwarted by a disciplined Ivorian defense and a penalty awarded to Ivory Coast after a foul in the box. The penalty was converted by K. T. N’Golo, who has been a regular in the Ivorian squad since 2024.

Reactions from Coaches and Players

Ivory Coast’s coach, Patrice Carteron, praised his team’s “solid performance” and the “energy of the new players.” He also highlighted the importance of maintaining focus in the remaining fixtures. DR Congo’s coach, Jean-Pierre M. K., emphasized the need to build on the win and to “continue improving our defensive solidity.”

Future Fixtures

Both teams will face their remaining opponents in the next round of qualifiers scheduled for early October. DR Congo will travel to the Republic of the Congo, while Ivory Coast will host Nigeria. The outcomes of these matches will be critical in determining the final standings of Groups A and B.