Niger vs Congo: WC Africa, Qualification Group Stage

Niger vs Congo National Football Teams match preview for the Africa Qualification Group stage. Get AI predictions, head-to-head stats, recent form, key players, and predicted and official lineups.

Match Overview

All eyes turn to the pitch as Niger and Congo renew their rivalry in the Africa Qualification Group Stage. Their last encounter, in June 2024, ended in a goalless draw, highlighting how evenly matched these two sides can be. Both teams are under pressure to deliver points, with Niger looking to build momentum and Congo aiming to end a poor run of form.

• Niger enter this game fresh off a 1-0 victory over Tanzania on September 9. They have won two of their five qualification matches so far, scoring six goals and conceding nine.

• Congo come into this clash after a 1-1 draw with Tanzania on September 5. However, their defensive record is a concern, having conceded in each of their last five matches. They remain winless in the qualifiers with one draw and five defeats, netting only three goals while conceding twenty.

AI Prediction

Pre-match AI analysis suggests Niger hold the upper hand:

• Niger win: 48% chance

• Draw: 29% chance

• Congo win: 23% chance

Given Congo’s defensive struggles and Niger’s recent morale boost, the home side enters as favorites.

Also check:

• Sierra Leone vs Burkina Faso: WC Africa, Qualification Group Stage
• Djibouti vs Egypt: WC Africa, Qualification Group Stage

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have faced each other four times since January 2021:

• June 6, 2024 – Congo 0-0 Niger (Qualification Group Stage)

• January 20, 2023 – Congo 0-0 Niger (Group Stage)

• June 9, 2021 – Niger 0-1 Congo (Friendly)

• January 21, 2021 – Congo 1-1 Niger (Group Stage)

Congo have the edge historically, with one win and three draws. Across these matches, Congo have scored twice while Niger have managed just one goal.

Recent Form

• Niger: 6 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses in their last 18 matches.

• Congo: 3 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses in their last 20 matches.

Key Players to Watch

• Niger:

  • Moussa Maâzou – experienced forward, dangerous in front of goal.

  • Daniel Sosah – versatile midfielder driving transitions.

  • Yahaya Doudou – defensive anchor in the backline.

• Congo:

  • Silvère Ganvoula – physical striker with aerial strength.

  • Antoine Makoumbou – creative midfielder pulling the strings.

  • Fernand Mayembo – key defender despite recent struggles.

Predicted Lineups

Niger (4-3-3):
Kassaly Daouda (GK); Issa Djibrilla, Abdoul Moumouni, Youssouf Oumarou, Amadou Moutari; Daniel Sosah, Yahaya Doudou, Abdoul Maïna; Amadou Wonkoye, Moussa Maâzou, Victorien Adebayor.

Congo (4-2-3-1):
Pavelh Ndzila (GK); Fernand Mayembo, Baron Kibamba, Scott Bitsindou, Ravy Tsouka; Antoine Makoumbou, Prince Oniangué; Guy Mbenza, Cesaire Gandzé, Bevic Moussiti-Oko; Silvère Ganvoula.