{"id":26004,"date":"2025-12-16T11:06:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T15:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/dr-congo-vs-zambia-kick-off-this-morning-in-make-or-break-afcon-prep-friendly-one-teams-tournament-hopes-could-shift-dramatically\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T11:06:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T15:06:42","slug":"10314-dr-congo-vs-zambia-battle-kicks-off-this-morning-in-pre-afcon-friendly-both-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/10314-dr-congo-vs-zambia-battle-kicks-off-this-morning-in-pre-afcon-friendly-both-team\/","title":{"rendered":"DR Congo vs Zambia kick off this morning in make-or-break AFCON prep friendly, one team’s tournament hopes could shift dramatically"},"content":{"rendered":"

DR Congo<\/b> and Zambia<\/b> clash this morning in a crucial final warm-up match ahead of AFCON 2025. Both teams seek momentum as they arrive in Spain to test themselves before the continental tournament kicks off December 21.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Kickoff:<\/b> December 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM UTC (10:00 AM EST) at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain<\/li>\n
  • Tournament Context:<\/b> Final AFCON preparation friendly before Morocco tournament begins December 21<\/li>\n
  • Head-to-Head Record:<\/b> DR Congo leads 2 wins to 0, with 3 draws in their 5 meetings<\/li>\n
  • Key Players:<\/b> DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba<\/b> and Zambia forward Patson Daka<\/b> lead their respective nations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Both Teams Seek AFCON Momentum in Madrid Pre-Tournament Test<\/h2>\n

    The friendly between DR Congo<\/b> and Zambia<\/b> represents crucial preparation time for both nations. DR Congo<\/b> finished fourth at the last AFCON and are considered secret favorites this year. The Leopards believe they can make their first appearance in an AFCON final.<\/p>\n

    Zambia will arrive with different objectives. Known as the Chipolopolo, Zambia won the AFCON title in 2012 and are in Group A<\/b> alongside Morocco<\/b>, Mali<\/b>, and Comoros<\/b>. According to multiple sources, many doubt Zambia’s ability to progress beyond the group stage this tournament.<\/p>\n

    Both teams have assembled strong squads for Morocco. DR Congo<\/b> announced a 26-man squad<\/b> led by captain Mbemba<\/b>, with notable players including Cedric Bakambu<\/b>, Axel Tuanzebe<\/b>, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka<\/b>. Notably, only Fiston Mayele<\/b> plays in Africa, highlighting the squad’s European-based focus.<\/p>\n

    Key Storylines: Experience versus Redemption Quest<\/h2>\n

    Chancel Mbemba<\/b> carries the weight of captaincy for DR Congo. The Standard Li\u00e8ge<\/b> defender leads a team hungry to finally break through Africa’s elite competition. DR Congo<\/b> has knocked on the door before but never reached an AFCON final.<\/p>\n

    For Zambia<\/b>, the quest feels different. Coached by Moses Sichone<\/b>, Zambia selected a 28-man squad<\/b> led by striker Patson Daka<\/b>. The Leicester City<\/b> forward provides pace and finishing ability that could trouble any AFCON defense.<\/p>\n

    Both squads are composed almost entirely of players plying their trade in Europe. Zambia<\/b> unveiled its squad six days ago, emphasizing the team’s preparation time remains limited. This friendly offers final tactical adjustments before group play begins on December 21.<\/p>\n

    Match Dynamics: Historical Context and Tactical Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/td>\nHead to Head Record<\/td>\nAFCON Group<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    DR Congo<\/b><\/td>\n2 Wins, 0 Losses, 3 Draws<\/td>\nGroup F with Benin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Zambia<\/b><\/td>\n0 Wins, 0 Losses, 3 Draws<\/td>\nGroup A with Morocco, Mali, Comoros<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    History favors DR Congo<\/b>. In their five meetings, the Leopards hold two victories with three draws. Most recently, DR Congo<\/b> defeated Zambia<\/b> 2-0 in a mixed-lineup African Nations Championship match this summer.<\/p>\n

    DR Congo<\/b> arrives having faced Nigeria<\/b> and Cameroon<\/b> recently, showing tactical sharpness against elite opposition. Zambia<\/b> faces a tougher path in their group, making this friendly against a regional rival essential preparation.<\/p>\n

    AFCON Tournament Kickoff: The Broader Picture as Pressure Mounts<\/h2>\n

    The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025<\/b> begins in just five days. Morocco<\/b> opens proceedings on Sunday, December 21<\/b> against Comoros<\/b> at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The tournament runs through January 18, 2026<\/b>, with the knockout stage beginning January 3.<\/p>\n

    DR Congo<\/b> will face Benin<\/b> on December 23 in their opening match. They know this morning’s test provides final preparation against a familiar African opponent. Zambia<\/b> must wait until later in the group stage to begin their tournament, but face the formidable task of navigating Group A before that.<\/p>\n

    Friendly matches are crucial for building team cohesion and testing tactical systems. Both teams recognize the importance of this encounter. DR Congo<\/b> aims to shake off any rust and prove they belong among AFCON’s elite. Zambia<\/b> needs to show they can compete with top nations despite group doubts about their prospects.<\/p>\n

    Will DR Congo’s Experience and Pedigree Overcome Zambia’s Hunger This Morning at Pinatar Arena?<\/h2>\n

    The answer matters not just for bragging rights in this friendly. The winner claims psychological advantage heading into Africa’s biggest tournament. DR Congo<\/b> wants to prove they can finally deliver a champion’s performance after a strong fourth-place finish in 2023.<\/p>\n

    Zambia<\/b> aims to silence critics who doubt their group stage credentials. A strong showing against DR Congo<\/b> signals the Chipolopolo remain a force to be reckoned with despite their tough draw. Each team carries weight into this morning’s match, and the physical and mental advantage gained could prove decisive in the tournament proper.<\/p>\n

    Sources<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • ESPN<\/b> – AFCON 2025 team guides and squad announcements<\/li>\n
    • African Soccer<\/b> – Pre-tournament preparation coverage and fixture details<\/li>\n
    • CAF Online<\/b> – Official tournament schedule and squad information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":26003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"schema_org_data":"{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Chancel Mbemba\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Patson Daka\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Cedric Bakambu\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Axel Tuanzebe\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Aaron Wan-Bissaka\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.themoviedb.org\/person\/4153204\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Fiston Mayele\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Moses Sichone\"},{\"@type\":\"Place\",\"name\":\"Pinatar 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