DR Congo release Wissa and 10 others after perfect AFCON qualifying start

Yoane Wissa and 10 other Democratic Republic of Congo players have been released from the squad after the Leopards made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Sebastien Desabre’s side opened the international window with a 2-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea before beating Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare. Those results gave DR Congo six points from six and put them at the top of their qualifying group.

The head coach has now reshaped his squad ahead of two friendly meetings with Uganda, allowing 11 players to return to their clubs.

The Congolese Football Federation confirmed the departures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arthur Masuaku, Axel Tuanzebe, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Meschack Elia, Brian Cipenga, Yoane Wissa, Fiston Mayele and Simon Banza.

Several of those players are established members of the Leopards, including Wissa, who scored in both of DR Congo’s opening qualifying matches. Their departure is not linked to any problem within the camp, however, and had been part of Desabre’s original plans.

The coach selected two different groups for a four-match international window that included 14 first-time call-ups. His intention was to avoid relying on all of his senior players throughout the entire period.

Having secured maximum points in the competitive fixtures, the released players can now return to their clubs without affecting DR Congo’s main objective during the window.

The remaining members of the delegation have travelled to Pretoria for a second training camp, which will run until 6 October. DR Congo will play Uganda at FNB Stadium on 2 and 5 October.

Those matches will give Desabre the chance to assess players who have yet to establish themselves in the national team. Willy Kambwala, Brandon Ndezi, Jorthy Mokio and Jordy Makengo are among those hoping to improve their position in the squad. Anthony Musaba of Norwich will not take part after withdrawing from the group.

The focus of this phase is therefore different from the opening two games. Instead of collecting points in the race to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, Desabre will assess the depth available to him and see whether the newcomers can move closer to the level of the regular starters.

DR Congo can use their positive start to prepare for the next stage without putting their position in the group at risk. The team facing Uganda will have less experience and fewer established combinations, but that is exactly what Desabre wants to examine.

After trusting his senior players to begin the qualifying campaign strongly, the coach has now handed the opportunity to those competing for places. Their performances will help determine whether the Leopards have more than one competitive starting XI.