Florent Ibenge names 32-man preliminary squad as DR Congo begin AFCON 2019 preparations
DR Congo head coach Florent Ibenge has unveiled a preliminary list of 32 players called up for the Leopards’ pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The announcement marks the official start of DR Congo’s preparations for the continental showpiece, with the camp scheduled to open on June 2 in Spain.
One of the major talking points from this list is the inclusion of Giannelli Imbula. The former Olympique de Marseille midfielder, currently playing for Rayo Vallecano, has received his first-ever call-up to the Congolese national team. This represents a significant milestone in Imbula’s career and offers him the opportunity to potentially take part in his first Africa Cup of Nations. His presence is expected to strengthen the Leopards’ midfield with his European experience and technical ability.
Another notable development is the return of goalkeeper Parfait Mandanda, who currently plays for Dinamo Bucharest. After a period away from the national team, Mandanda’s recall brings additional experience and competition to the goalkeeping department. He joins Auguy Kalambay, Anthony Mossi, and Ley Matampi in a four-man goalkeeping group.
In contrast, the most striking absence from the list is that of Dieumerci Mbokani. The experienced striker, long considered one of DR Congo’s attacking leaders, has not been included at this stage. While the reasons have not been officially detailed, his absence opens the door for younger forwards to stake their claim ahead of the final 23-man squad.
The Leopards’ training camp in Spain will be a crucial phase for Ibenge as he evaluates his group, builds team cohesion, and fine-tunes tactical plans. Two international friendly matches have already been scheduled as part of the preparation program. DR Congo will face Burkina Faso on June 9, before taking on Kenya on June 15, with both matches set to be played in Madrid. These encounters will allow the technical staff to assess player form, test combinations, and make key decisions before trimming the squad.
The defensive unit blends domestic-based players with several footballers active in Europe and Asia, including Arthur Masuaku (West Ham), Christian Luyindama (Galatasaray), and Marcel Tisserand (Wolfsburg). In midfield, Ibenge has assembled a versatile group featuring experienced names such as Paul-José Mpoku, Youssouf Mulumbu, and Trésor Mputu, alongside newcomers like Imbula. The attack is led by established forwards including Cédric Bakambu, Britt Assombalonga, and Yannick Bolasie, giving the Leopards multiple options in the final third.
This preliminary squad reflects Ibenge’s desire to combine experience with fresh energy as DR Congo target a strong showing in Egypt. Over the coming weeks, competition within the group will intensify as players fight to secure a place in the final list.
With preparations now underway, the Leopards will be hoping that this Spanish training camp and the upcoming friendlies provide the ideal foundation for a successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
