Preview: Libya vs. Congo DR - prediction, team news, lineups

Coming off a 1-0 win against Congo in the first round, Congo DR take on Libya at the Japoma Stadium on Thursday evening, knowing a win will stamp their name in the quarter-finals of the African Nation Championship.

On the other hand, 2014 champions Libya are searching for their first win at the tournament, after playing out a bore draw with Niger on Sunday.

Match preview

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Congo DR climbed to the top of Group B with a 1-0 over Congo, after Niger and Libya played out a goalless draw in the opening group game on Sunday.

TP Mazembe midfielder Chico Kubanza made history by becoming the first goalscorer in a competitive game at the 50,000-capacity Japoma Stadium, after he opened the scoring for the two-time champions in the 47th minute.

Head coach Florent Ibenge will be looking to build on this result, as he hunts for a third CHAN title, after guiding the nation to success in 2009 and 2019.

The Leopards will feel positive when they take on Libya, as they are currently unbeaten in their last six meetings, with four wins and two draws.

On the other hand, Libya were lucky to share the spoils when they met a wasteful Niger side on Sunday, as the game ended in a goalless draw at the Japoma Stadium.

The 2014 winners only came close to scoring 10 minutes into the game, when Muetaz Husayn's rebound was blocked by the onrushing defence, after goalkeeper Razak Omar had stopped his initial effort.

Zoran Filipovic's men now face an uphill task against a Congo DR side they have failed to beat in the last six meetings, knowing more dropped points will be a significant blow to their qualification chances.

Libya follow this fixture with a crucial clash against Congo, while Congo DR square off with the Mena of Niger in the final group encounter.

Libya African Nations Championship form: D Libya form (all competitions): WLLLDD

Congo DR African Nations Championship form: W Congo DR form (all competitions): LDDWDW

Team News

There are a few injury scares in the Congo DR squad, as Chico Ushindi and Masasi Obenza were hooked off midway through their win against Congo.

Makabi Lilepo will retain his position in the starting XI, after finishing with an assist in a standout performance last time out.

Libya captain Rabea Aboubaker is a doubt and will be assessed, after picking up an injury against Niger.

Zoran Filipovic is expected to stick to the back three of Manson Makkari, Muad Alamami and Salah Fakroun that started in the draw with Niger.

Libya possible starting lineup: Azzaqa; Makkari, Alamami, Fakroun; Elhouni, Al Shadi, Hamid, Sherif; Bodabous, Makari, Husayn

Congo DR possible starting lineup: Matampi; Luzolo Sita, Baka, Idumba, Shabani; Miche, Kabangu, Gikanji, Lilepo, Karim; Mayele

We say: Libya 0-2 Congo DR

Looking at Congo DR's form, and their impressive record against Libya, the two-time CHAN winners should grab all three points on Thursday and seal their place in the quarter-finals.

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