DR Congo secured a crucial 2-1 away win over Zimbabwe Warriors at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday to stay top of Group E.
First-half goals from Yoane Wissa and Samuel Moutoussamy did the damage. Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze gifted the opener in the 29th minute when he tried a risky one-touch pass instead of punching clear, leaving him sprawling as the ball rolled into the net. The visitors doubled their lead in first-half added time after catching the Warriors defence sleeping.
Zimbabwe, under head coach Ramon Catala, started brightly with Bill Antonio causing problems early and Thando Ngwenya forcing a fine save in the 36th minute, but they faded after conceding. Catala made four changes after the break, bringing on Emmanuel Jalai, Sean Fusire, Divine Lunga and Daniel Msendami, which brought life down the right side.
Catala threw in his last card in the 82nd minute when Abubakar Moffat was introduced for Tawanda Chirewa. England-based Marshal Munetsi pulled one back in the 92nd minute from Msendami’s corner, but it was too late for a comeback.
DRC now sit top on 6 points from two games, while Zimbabwe remain second on 3 points, level with Equatorial Guinea who beat Sierra Leone 1-0. Focus now shifts to the November clash against Equatorial Guinea.
