DR Congo enters the AFCON 2027 qualifiers as the clear group leader after securing six points from two matches with victories over Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, establishing a three-point cushion in Group E. The Leopards’ superior squad depth, recent international experience including a 2026 World Cup appearance, and higher FIFA ranking underpin trader consensus around their dominance. Remaining fixtures against Sierra Leone and the return legs offer limited opportunities for the chasing pack to close the gap without major slips from the frontrunners. Upset scenarios remain possible through key injuries, inconsistent form on the road, or strong home results from Zimbabwe or Equatorial Guinea that could alter goal difference or points tallies in the final matchdays.