Ethiopia will host Congo DR in the second round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Monday night at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

In their first match against Tanzania, Ethiopia had to settle for a share of the spoils, while Congo DR narrowly avoided the threat posed by Guinea to get off to a winning start.

Congo DR showed remarkable grit to battle out a hard-fought 1-0 success over the National Elephants of Guinea and secure maximum points at Stade des Martrys in Kinshasa on Friday.

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Edo Kayembe, who has scored three goals in four league games this season, took his scoring hot streak to the international arena by scoring the game-winning goal in the 27th minute to secure the victory for Sebastien Desabre’s team.

Before October’s doubleheader against Tanzania, a win in Dar es Salaam would put Congo DR in command of Group H.

However, their away record has been poor lately, with only one victory on enemy soil dating back to June 2023.

Ethiopia failed to score a goal in their goalless draw with Tanzania on Wednesday, highlighting their offensive shortcomings for the fifth time in their previous eight games.

Having lost out on the last AFCON edition, Ethiopia will be anxious to get their qualification voyage up and going at the second time of asking to avoid being left too far behind in the fight to clinch a spot at the continental showpiece.

Here is how both teams line up

Ethiopia Starting XI

Habtamu, Hamde, Kassa, Bayeh, Panom, Wolde, Bekele, Dagnachew, Gugsa, Markine

DR Congo Starting XI

Bertaud, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Baka, Kayembe, Pickel, Moutossamy, Akolo, Kakuta Wissa, Essende