Zimbabwe came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, overturning the visitors’ advantage despite both sides finishing with 13 shots.
The result came in a tightly contested game in which DR Congo had a marginally greater share of possession, controlling 50.8% compared with Zimbabwe’s 49.2%. However, Zimbabwe were more accurate in front of goal, registering six shots on target, compared with four for DR Congo.
Zimbabwe also tested the DR Congo goalkeeper more frequently, forcing five saves, while their own goalkeeper made two.
The hosts had 16 touches inside the opposition penalty area, compared with 26 for DR Congo, who showed a greater presence in Zimbabwe’s box but could not turn that advantage into enough goals.
Zimbabwe attempted seven shots from outside the penalty area, while DR Congo had only one such effort. The visitors did, however, hit the woodwork once and recorded two one-on-one attempts, compared with none for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe also had the advantage from set pieces, winning six corners while DR Congo managed only one.
The hosts were more successful in aerial contests, winning eight duels compared with six for DR Congo. They were also more disciplined, committing just six fouls and receiving no yellow cards. DR Congo committed 16 fouls and picked up two yellow cards.
Both teams were almost identical in their overall passing numbers. Zimbabwe completed 419 passes and DR Congo 427, with both sides recording an 85% pass accuracy.
DR Congo were more effective when progressing the ball into the final third, completing 101 successful passes in that area compared with Zimbabwe’s 50. They also played more forward passes, 141 to 133, and attempted more long balls, 44 compared with Zimbabwe’s 35.
The visitors also delivered 24 crosses, six more than Zimbabwe’s 18.
DR Congo were more active defensively, making 33 tackles compared with Zimbabwe’s 20 and recording 28 clearances to the hosts’ 14. Zimbabwe, however, had the better tackle success rate, winning 60% of their challenges compared with DR Congo’s 51.5%.
Zimbabwe were caught offside six times, while DR Congo were flagged only once.
Despite DR Congo’s greater presence in the penalty area and stronger final-third passing figures, Zimbabwe made better use of their opportunities and finished with the victory.
The 2-1 scoreline reflected a match in which the two sides were closely matched statistically, but Zimbabwe’s greater accuracy, stronger set-piece numbers and ability to convert their chances ultimately proved decisive.
