Congo name preliminary squad for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Congo have announced their preliminary squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches scheduled for November, with new French-based talents Nehemieh Fernandez and Niels Nkounkou included in the selection.

The two players are among the main additions to the squad named by national team manager Claude Le Roy as the Diables Rouges prepare for their decisive qualifying fixtures.

Fernandez, who plays for AS Nancy in France, and Nkounkou, a defender with OGC Nice, could provide fresh options for Congo if they remain in the final squad. Their inclusion represents a notable injection of young talent into the group.

Goalkeepers

– Bonazebi Chelcy – C.A.R.A, Congo – Ndinga Perrauld – Tusker FC, Kenya – Trey Vimalin – Torcy, France – Zinga Melvin – Angers SCO, France

Defenders

– Andzouana Yhoan – Konyaspor, Turkey – Fernandez Nehemieh – AS Nancy, France – Loubemba Godefroy – C.A.R.A, Congo – Makosso Christ – AJ Auxerre, France – Mazikou Bradley – Servette FC, Switzerland – Mbemba Berlhod – Al Merrikh SC, Sudan – Mouandza Mapata – Vita Club, DR Congo – Mouanga Kevin – Kasilpasa SK, Turkey – Mounsesse Jeremy – SCU Torreense, Portugal – Passi Bryan – Valenciennes FC, France – Poaty Morgan – FC Lausanne Sport, Switzerland

Midfielders

– Dembi Fred – Al-Hamriyah, United Arab Emirates – Hondermarck William – Bromley FC, England – Loemba Inno – Simba SC, Tanzania – Makoumbou Antoine – UC Sampdoria, Italy – Makouta Gaius – Alanyaspor, Turkey – Massanga Chandrel – Eyupspor, Turkey – Masongisa Obed – As Otoho, Congo – Ndockyt Merveil – AS Far Rabat, Morocco – Nkounkou Niels – OGC Nice, France

Forwards

– Bantsiele Geltany – C.A.R.A, Congo – Bassinga Deo – FUS Rabat, Morocco – Bassouamina Mons – CS Maritimo, Portugal – Bifouma Thievy – Persepolis FC, Iran – Christopher Ibayi – MAS Fes, Morocco – Yvan Ikia Dimi – Gornik Zabrze, Poland – Massoumou Domi – Alashkert, Armenia – Mbenza Guy – Liaoning Tieren, China – Mboula Jordi – AE Kifisia, Greece – Monzialo Kevin – FC Den Bosch, Netherlands – Namboka Beni – Maniema Union, DR Congo

The preliminary list will be used for Congo’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month, while the final selection is yet to be confirmed.