D.R. Congo vs Zambia Predictions: Odds and betting tips for African Nations Championship Qualification - 07.08.2025

The African Nations Championship Qualification 2024/25 continues at Brann Stadion in Bergen, as D.R. Congo and Zambia lock horns in a Group A clash on 7 August 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 CEST. This encounter pits two traditional African powerhouses under new competitive scrutiny, with Congo looking to recover from a narrow opening group defeat to Kenya, and Zambia aiming to revive their fortunes after recent mixed results under Avram Grant. The stakes are unmistakably high, as both sides seek vital points to keep their qualification ambitions alive in one of Africa’s most competitive groups.

A spotlight falls on D.R. Congo’s dynamic midfielder Meschack Elia and Zambia’s enterprising playmaker Enock Mwepu. Both possess the creative instinct and work ethic capable of shifting the tactical balance in their teams’ favor. Their performance in the heart of midfield will likely decide their nations’ tempo and spirit.

Hot stat: D.R. Congo have maintained an impressive 80% winrate across all competitions in 2025, a clear testament to their consistency — even if their Group A campaign began with a setback.

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D.R. Congo vs Zambia predictions

Me best bet: Draw (X).
Given both teams’ recent statistics and tactical profiles, a share of the spoils stands as the most rational wager. D.R. Congo have been robust this year, boasting four wins in their previous five fixtures before the recent reverse. Their defensive setup under Sébastien Desabre is traditionally resilient, but their attack lacked fluidity against Kenya. Zambia, meanwhile, are still in search of their first win in 2025, but their improved draw against Botswana and occasional attacking verve suggest incremental progress under Grant. The game’s neutral setting in Bergen further levels the field.

In terms of playing style, D.R. Congo frequently employ a 4-4-2, prioritizing compactness and midfield control. Their recent metrics indicate solid defensive discipline (15 fouls, only 2 yellow cards in their last match), but a need for greater attacking precision. Zambia’s preferred 4-2-3-1 is designed to maximize width and possession, yet statistical evidence points to a lack of clinical edge and set-piece threat. Both teams demonstrate moderate ball retention and pragmatic use of the flanks, suggesting a tightly contested, perhaps low-scoring match.

• ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
• 💥Both Teams To Score: No
• 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5

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Despite limited historical data between these two sides in the immediate qualification context, their recent matches illuminate a pattern: D.R. Congo’s displays have been marked by high defensive workrate and structured build-up, evidenced by a significant number of shots and sustained midfield aggression. Zambia’s lack of offensive output and defensive numbers in their last competitive fixtures could point to an imminent tactical recalibration by Avram Grant—something to monitor as the match unfolds.

🚨Read our full D.R. Congo vs Zambia stats for more analysis.

Key Stats

• D.R. Congo have an 80% winrate in 2025 — one of the best among African qualifiers.
• Zambia have failed to secure a win in their last three matches, with a solitary draw and poor offensive returns.
• D.R. Congo managed 20 total shots despite losing to Kenya 0-1 in their opener, reflecting offensive ambition.
• Both sides have preferred pragmatic, ball-control systems: 4-4-2 for Congo and 4-2-3-1 for Zambia.
• Disciplinary record: D.R. Congo only two yellow cards in their opener, showing controlled aggression.

D.R. Congo vs Zambia score prediction: 1-1

A 1-1 draw is the likeliest outcome. D.R. Congo’s offensive leadership from Meschack Elia, combined with the creative vision of Kakuta, ensures they are always a threat, but their inability to convert pressure into goals was clear against Kenya. Zambia, looking for a breakthrough, will lean on Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu to create and finish opportunities, but their profligacy and lack of rhythm make a high-scoring scenario improbable. Both teams possess the tactical nous to secure points, yet neither seems poised to dominate in Bergen.

Pre-game odds and win probability: D.R. Congo the favourite

Bookmakers have given D.R. Congo a marginally higher win probability (37 percent) compared to Zambia (31 percent), reflecting Congo’s superior recent form and defensive structure. However, the draw at 32 percent is the most attractive, justified by the close statistical profiles and recent underperformance from both attacks. The odds also lean towards a lower scoring affair, supported by trends in both teams’ recent matches.

D.R. Congo vs Zambia Over/Under Analysis

• Under 2.5 goals has landed in five of D.R. Congo’s last six matches.
• Zambia have not scored in three of their previous five encounters.
• D.R. Congo’s matches average fewer than 2.0 goals since the start of 2024.
• Odds heavily favor a tight, defensively focused game in Bergen.

D.R. Congo Preview

D.R. Congo arrive at this contest on the back of a frustrating 0-1 defeat to Kenya. The performance, while disciplined defensively, lacked clinical finishing. Notably, Congo managed 20 attempts on goal but struggled to break down a compact Kenyan backline—a concern Sébastien Desabre will be keen to address. Prior to that, Congo boasted impressive victories against Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, and South Sudan, conceding only twice and exhibiting unrivaled organisation in the qualifiers.

D.R. Congo possible starting eleven

Zambia Preview

Zambia’s campaign has yet to ignite, with the 3-3 draw against Botswana serving as a reminder of both promise and vulnerability. Despite showing attacking flair, their defence has been fileted too easily, most notably in the heavy 0-5 defeat to Russia and repeated lapses against regional opponents. Grant’s 4-2-3-1 system yearns for greater cohesion and solidity, and he will look for leaders in midfield to arrest the current slide.

Zambia possible starting eleven

The Verdict

As a Tips.GG team expert, our main pick for this match is a Draw (X), with an estimated 32 percent winning probability according to our dedicated AI prediction engine. Both teams have shown resilience but, crucially, lack the attacking sharpness to dominate this tie. Expect a closely fought battle, rich in tactical nuance but likely short on decisive moments.

How to watch D.R. Congo vs Zambia

• When? 07.08.2025, kick-off at 16:00 CEST
• Where? Brann Stadion, Bergen
• How to watch: Check official CAF broadcasting partners and local networks. Online streaming may be available through regional sports platforms.
• Favorite: D.R. Congo

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