DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea Prediction, Betting Tips & Booking Code (Sep 24)

Group E of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying kicks off on Thursday. After enjoying a memorable summer, DR Congo are targeting a bright start when they take on Equatorial Guinea at the Martyrs Stadium.

Wissa to lead DR Congo's push for more history

DR Congo have a strong AFCON record, and they'll be hoping to advance into the latter stages of the 2027 tournament. They need to qualify first, but that shouldn't be a difficult challenge for Sébastien Desabre's side, who reached the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Most of the players who shone in North America are involved in this squad, although emerging talent Stanis Idumbo is carrying an injury. Noah Mbamba has also been forced to withdraw with a hamstring issue.

Yoane Wissa is the standout attacking star. The 30-year-old scored three goals in four appearances at this summer's tournament. He has since registered a goal and an assist in five outings for Newcastle United in the Premier League.

DR Congo predicted lineup vs Equatorial Guinea (4-3-3): Epolo; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Mbuku, Wissa, Cipenga

A new dawn begins for Equatorial Guinea

Having qualified for the three most recent AFCON tournaments, Equatorial Guinea should not be underestimated. They can count on some experienced players, such as defender Saúl Coco, who is averaging 5.2 clearances per game for Torino in Serie A this term.

This will be their first match under new coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese. He was most recently in charge of the Afghanistan national team, but failed to win any of his six games at the helm in 2025.

Key figures Emilio Nsue and Pedro Obiang both recently retired from international football, so this is a transitional phase for Los Diablos Rojos. Luis Nlavo, who has scored five times in 32 outings for his country, should lead the line.

Equatorial Guinea predicted lineup vs DR Congo (4-3-3): Owono; Anieboh, Coco, Elo, Ndong; Mascarell, Ganet, Balboa; Buyla, Nlavo, Nabil Ondo

DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea Prediction

  • Safe Tip: DR Congo to win
  • Odds: 1.29 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: DR Congo 2-0 Equatorial Guinea
  • 22Bet Booking Code: NJUQF

Key stats:

  • Since the start of the last Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo have only conceded nine goals in 11 matches.
  • Equatorial Guinea have lost five of their past seven internationals.
  • Los Diablos Rojos have netted just twice in three matches in 2026.

Backing DR Congo to win is a safe pick at odds of 1.29. They showed in the summer that they are a competitive international team with a solid defence. Desabre's team conceded only five times in four matches, despite facing the likes of Portugal, Colombia and England.

Equatorial Guinea will struggle in the final third without Nsue. He retired as their all-time record scorer with 23 goals at the end of last year. There is no obvious successor who can replicate that threat.

DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: DR Congo -1.5 Handicap
  • Odds: 2.16 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3CF6F

Wissa has already started more Premier League games this term than in the whole of last season. With 534 minutes of action across all competitions, DR Congo's attacking talisman will be feeling sharp.

Equatorial Guinea conceded six times and lost all three matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Backing them to lose this game by at least two goals offers value.

Verdict: DR Congo to win (1.29) — DR Congo 2-0 Equatorial Guinea