The Congolese Association Football Federation (Fecofa) has confirmed that defender Axel Tuanzebe is now eligible to represent the Leopards of DR Congo in international competitions, marking the culmination of a long-awaited inclusion.
Tuanzebe’s potential selection for the Leopards garnered attention when he was initially named in the pre-list for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), although he ultimately did not participate in the tournament.
However, this time, it is official, as Fecofa announced the defender’s eligibility in a press release.
Hailing from Bunia and currently plying his trade with Ipswich Town in the English Championship, Tuanzebe’s availability for DR Congo comes as a result of a concerted effort by national team coach Sébastien Desabre, who has long advocated for the inclusion of the former Manchester United player.
The completion of Tuanzebe’s switch of sporting nationality represents a significant coup for DR Congo football.
Despite the absence of a Leopards gathering during the recent international break, Desabre seized the opportunity during his visit to England to finalize the formalities of Tuanzebe’s transition to represent the African nation.
With Tuanzebe now officially part of the DR Congo setup, anticipation is high among fans and officials alike regarding the impact he could make on the national team.
His experience at various levels of English football, coupled with his defensive prowess, is expected to bolster the Leopards’ squad depth and defensive stability in future international fixtures.
As DR Congo looks ahead to upcoming international events, including World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments, the addition of Tuanzebe to the squad represents a significant boost to the team’s aspirations on the global stage.
With his talents now at their disposal, the Leopards are poised to embark on their next chapter with renewed confidence and determination.
[𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘]
Axel Tuanzebe, natif de Bunia et sociétaire d’Ipswich Town en D2 anglaise est désormais éligible et selectionnable pour représenter les Léopards lors des prochaines échéances internationales.
BOYEYI MALAMU #MwanaMboka #Fecofa pic.twitter.com/wQ607EvnB8
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) March 22, 2024
