Congo and Niger return to action in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they go head to head at the Stade des Martyrs on Thursday. Having failed to win any of the last five meetings between the two nations, the Mena will head into the game aiming to get one over the home side and pick up back-to-back wins in the qualifiers. Former Nancy striker Mons Bassouamina came up clutch for Congo in their first outing of the year as he netted a 74th-minute equaliser to force a 1-1 draw with Gabon in a friendly at the Stade des Marais on March 25.
Prior to that, Isaac Ngata 's men kicked off their quest for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they suffered a 4-2 hammering against Zambia when the two nations squared off at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on November 17. Despite the efforts of Silvere Ganvoula and Bassouamina, Congo were denied a dream start to the qualifiers as Lameck Banda , Fashion Sakala and a brace from Leicester City man Patson Daka inspired Zambia to a huge opening-day victory. The Red Devils head into Thursday's clash without a win in any of their most recent four games across all competitions and have won just one of their last seven competitive matches since September 2022.
However, Congo will be backing themselves to get up and running in the qualifiers on Thursday as they take on an opposing side who have failed to win any of their previous five encounters, losing twice and claiming two draws since June 2012. Having lost 1-0 to Senegal in their firs.
