DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea off to winning World Cup qualifying starts

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Equatorial Guinea made winning starts to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns on Wednesday.

The DRC defeated Mauritania 2-0 at home in Group B thanks to second-half goals from Yoane Wissa and Theo Bongonda. The Leopards gained revenge after losing to the same opponents in AFCON qualifying earlier this year.

Captain Cedric Bakambu and his teammates will be encouraged by this accomplished performance before facing more fancied sides like Mali in the group.

Elsewhere, Equatorial Guinea edged Namibia 1-0 courtesy of captain Emilio Nsue's 67th-minute winner. It puts the National Thunder in early control of Group H ahead of Tunisia's qualification debut next week.

Sao Tome and Principe, Liberia and Malawi make up the rest of the section.

In contrast, Mauritania endured a poor start in the DRC, showcasing the difficult task they face progressing from a competitive quartet.

It was also a subdued beginning for Rwanda and Ethiopia, who played out a goalless draw in Group C. The Sierra Leone-Ethiopia stalemate showcased both teams' limitations.

With African giants Nigeria and South Africa entering qualifying this weekend in the same section, it already appears a tall order for the also-rans.

So early leaders DRC and Equatorial Guinea have set the pace, signalling their intent to compete with the continent's elite.

Their next challenges will be maintaining this form against unforgiving opponents in the longest World Cup qualifying marathon yet.