Zimbabwe V DR Congo
Sunday 30 June 2019 – 20:00 Kick-Off
Africa Cup of Nations, Group A
Pick: Both Teams to Score – EVENS WilliamHill
Preview: Their respective failure to secure wins from either of the first two group games has left both these teams in an all or nothing scenario. Zimbabwe played well versus Egypt (1-0) and Uganda (1-1) but have a solitary point to show for it, whereas DR Congo were second favourites to progress from this section but have zero points following successive 2-0 defeats to the same opposition.
Now both are left battling it out for a potential berth into the next round as one of the best third-place teams. That would only be possible with a win here. So we could be in for another lively encounter between countries whose qualification for this very competition was achieved alongside one another.
Recent Trends
- Zimbabwe are without a win in their last six in all competitions (D5 L1).
- DR Congo have only recorded one win in their last eleven games (W1 D6 L4).
- All three previous meetings between these two countries has produced both teams scoring, with Zimbabwe slightly ahead on the head-to-head (W1 D2).
Zimbabwe Preview
Hoping to make it fourth time lucky were Zimbabwe, who had never progressed beyond the group stages on any of their previous three appearances in the tournament. Failure to win either of their first two games this time around has left them in a perilously familiar scenario, knowing only three points from their one remaining game will suffice if they’re to avoid another early exit.
Performances have been encouraging, though. Taking on Egypt (L1-0) in the opening game of the entire event was never going to be straightforward but The Warriors gave a good account of themselves, posing a threat with their speedy counters. They were a lot more threatening next time out, creating several really good opportunities but contriving to miss all but one of them in a score-draw (1-1) with Uganda.
This wastefulness in front of goal would partly explain why they haven’t scored more than one goal in five of their last six matches, a run in which they also failed to win (D5 L1). So while their displays at this tournament so far might suggest a win isn’t too far away, their recent form is telling us otherwise.
Although, they are at least familiar with the next opponent from their time in qualifying together. Zimbabwe recorded a 2-1 away win over DR Congo as a player who scored five times during qualifying, striker Knowledge Musona, scored the crucial second goal. The Warriors were only denied a win back on home soil by an own goal (1-1).
DR Congo Preview
The enigma that is DR Congo. Former two-time winners; a reasonably talented squad; a country ranked higher than most teams at these finals (49). Yet on the verge of departing Egypt at the earliest possible departure point following two hugely underwhelming displays against Uganda (2-0) and Egypt (2-0). Both defeats were thoroughly deserved.
Fortunately for them there is still room in the next round were they to somehow squeeze themselves into one of the four available best third-place slots. That would only be possible with victory in their final game, and it may even need to be a comfortable one at that such is their dreadful goal difference (-4). So a side which has which posed very little threat in the attacking third suddenly needs to turn on the style.
Recent form would have us believe they need to produce something very special indeed. That is because the previous eleven matches in all competitions have produced just one win (W1 D6 L4), only seven goals scored and on no occasion during this period did they locate the back of the net more than once. These are damning statistics for a team that isn’t exactly lacking in firepower.
Key forwards such as Yannick Bolasie (9 goals in 39 caps) and, in particular, Cederic Bakambu (8 in 23 caps) need huge performances here, therefore, if they’re to spare their country the ignominy of a shock group exit.
Betting Tips
Main Selection: Both Teams to Score – EVENS WilliamHill
Value Pick: Draw – 9/4 Betfair
Betting Summary
In a must win game for both, it’s worrying that the draw makes the most appeal. Zimbabwe are without a win in six (three were draws) while DR Congo have gone four without winning (two draws). Neither can afford to settle for a point though, as that would almost certainly spell the end of the tournament for the pair of them.
Although neither side have been prolific in front of goal, it isn’t often that they fail to score in games – the problem usually resides in their inability to score in large enough quantities. Zimbabwe have scored in five of the last seven, while DR Congo had scored in seven of their last nine prior to this tournament. These two also played each other in qualifying, with both encounters producing both teams scoring (2-1 and 1-1).
So both teams to score, in a contest neither should be holding back in as they desperately go in search of three vital points, could be the play in this game.
