Dramatic winners Zimbabwe to end five-year exile by tackling DR Congo

Zimbabwe will play at home for the first time in five years when they host the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday in a top-of-the-table Africa Cup of Nations group qualifier.

Major renovations to the 60,000-seat National Sports Stadium on the outskirts of the capital, Harare, forced the Warriors to host matches outside the country, often in South Africa .

While Zimbabwe can relish finally performing in front of their supporters again, 13 of the 48 teams competing in 2027 AFCON qualifiers are 'homeless'.

A civil war prevents Sudan playing in Khartoum and security concerns mean Somalia cannot host opponents in Mogadishu.

The other 11 countries, including 2022 AFCON champions Senegal , currently lack stadiums that meet international standards.

For Zimbabwe, the timing of their return home is perfect as they face 2026 World Cup qualifiers DR Congo in an optimistic mood.