Tanzania vs D.R. Congo prediction: AFRICA: Africa Cup of Nations betting tips on match 2024-01-23 20:00.
Things haven’t exactly gone to plan for Tanzania at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after they let slip a 1-0 lead to draw against Zambia late on in their round two encounter, leaving them on just one point (D1, L1). That was interim boss Hemed Suleiman Ali’s first game at the helm, who stands in for Adel Amrouche who was handed an eight-game ban for comments made about Morocco after their round one defeat.
Despite their winless start to what is only their third AFCON, the Taifa Stars could still qualify for the knockout phase if they can record their first AFCON tournament victory at the ninth attempt (D2, L6). Standing in their way of that goal are D.R. Congo, who come into this on the back of a draw against tournament favourites Morocco and will be looking to put a few past Tanzania, who have conceded at least three times in their last three AFCON defeats.
Whilst their 1-1 draw in the previous round was a creditable result given their opponents, D.R. Congo must win here if they are to guarantee their place in the top-two come full-time. Otherwise they will rely on the outcome of Zambia vs Morocco, which is likely to go in their favour if the odds are to be believed, but the Congolese will not want to take any risks as they search for their first AFCON win in this current edition (D2).
Progressing from the group will be the minimum expectation for them after reaching the knockouts in four of their last five AFCON appearances. Whilst they may wish to emulate the exploits of their only title-winning sides of the 60s and 70s, D.R. Congo’s modern outfit need only look back to 2019 for inspiration, as they had underwhelmed in their opening two group games (L2) before posting a 4-0 victory to qualify in the final round.
Players to watch: Currently a free agent, Tanzania’s Simon Msuva scored his nation’s first AFCON goal since 2019 in round two and he also netted the opener in their last scoring game in this tournament five years ago. It was also a special night for D.R. Congo’s Silas in round two, as he hit his very first international goal against Morocco.
Hot stat: D.R. Congo have kept just one clean sheet from their last nine AFCON tournament games (W2, D3, L4).