Bakambu returns as Desabre names DR Congo squad for Sierra Leone qualifiers

Sebastien Desabre has recalled Cedric Bakambu to the DR Congo squad for November’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Sierra Leone, while Samuel Essende and Theo Bongonda are among the notable omissions.

The 26-man squad was announced on Friday for the two matches, which will be played on 12 and 17 November. Desabre has largely retained the group that represented the country at the 2026 World Cup, but has made several changes following October’s international camp.

Bakambu, 35, returns to the Leopards for the first time since the World Cup. The striker has made an impressive start in Major League Soccer with San Diego FC, scoring five goals in eight appearances.

He has scored 21 times for his country and is now one goal behind Dieumerci Mbokani’s record of 22. His return gives him the opportunity to close the gap during the upcoming qualifiers.

Several recently integrated dual nationals have also kept their places after making their debuts in last month’s friendly matches. Kevin Pedro, Jordy Makengo, Ezechiel Banzuzi and Willy Kambwala are all included in Desabre’s squad.

Noah Mbamba has been selected for the first time. The midfielder, who is on loan from Leverkusen to Lorient, missed the previous gathering through injury but has made a promising start to the season and regained his rhythm since October.

The most unexpected omission is Essende. The Young Boys forward has scored 14 goals in 12 league matches, making him the leading scorer in the Swiss Super League, but that form has not earned him another call-up.

Essende returned to the international squad for October’s friendlies against Uganda after missing the World Cup. However, his performances apparently did not persuade Desabre, and his exceptional club record has not been enough to secure a place this time.

Bongonda, an established member of the squad, is also absent after disappointing displays last month for Al-Faisaly.

Stephy Mavididi must wait for his first involvement because of an administrative issue. The Watford winger’s registration with FIFA has yet to be finalised.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another absentee after being ruled out through injury.

Despite the changes, Desabre has kept the core of his World Cup squad, including Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy and Yoane Wissa.

The Leopards have won their opening two matches in the qualifying campaign. Two victories against Sierra Leone would put them in a strong position to reach the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.