CAN 2015: DR Congo – A Rebuilding Team with Big Ambitions

AFCON 2015 – DR Congo: A Young Team Ready to Roar Again

As the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations unfolds in Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arrives with a team in transition, but determined to revive past glories. Under the leadership of head coach Florent Ibenge, the Leopards aim to make a deep run and possibly claim their third continental title, after triumphs in 1968 and 1974.

🦁 Team Overview

• Federation: Congolese Federation of Association Football (FECOFA)

• Confederation: CAF (since 1962)

• Founded: 1919

• Nickname: The Leopards

• Coach: Florent Ibenge

• AFCON Appearances: 16 (first in 1965)

• Titles: 2 (1968, 1974)

📅 Group B Fixtures (First Round)

• January 18: Zambia 🇿🇲 vs DR Congo 🇨🇩 – 4:00 p.m. GMT (Ebebiyin)

• January 22: Cape Verde 🇨🇻 vs DR Congo 🇨🇩 – 7:00 p.m. GMT (Ebebiyin)

• January 26: DR Congo 🇨🇩 vs Tunisia 🇹🇳 – 6:00 p.m. GMT (Bata)

🛤️ Road to AFCON 2015

Drawn into a tough qualifying group with Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone, the DRC struggled at times but showed resilience:

• Lost at home to Cameroon (0-2)

• Beat Sierra Leone (2-0)

• Narrow loss to Ivory Coast (1-2) at home

• Historic win in Abidjan over Ivory Coast (4-3)

• Another loss to Cameroon (0-1)

• Victory over Sierra Leone secured them a place in the tournament as best third-placed team

  

🌟 Key Players

⭐ Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion)
The experienced Premier League midfielder brings leadership and balance to a young squad. Born in Kinshasa, his physical presence and intelligence on the ball make him the engine of the team.

👀 Player to Watch: Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace)
One of the most exciting dribblers in England, Bolasie’s pace, flair, and creativity will be vital. He has the potential to be one of the standout performers of the tournament.

📋 Full Squad

Goalkeepers

1. Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe, DRC)

2. Nicaise Kudimbana (Anderlecht, Belgium)

3. Parfait Mandanda (SC Charleroi, Belgium)

Defenders

• Issampa Mpeko (Kabuscorp, Angola)

• Jean Kasusula (TP Mazembe, DRC)

• Mabele Bawaka (AS Vita Club, DRC)

• Joël Kimwaki (TP Mazembe, DRC)

• Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht, Belgium)

• Christopher Oualembo (Académica Coimbra, Portugal)

• Cédric Mongongu (Evian TG, France)

• Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough United, England)

Midfielders

• Hervé Kage (Genk, Belgium)

• Neeskens Kebano (Charleroi, Belgium)

• Lema Mabidi (AS Vita Club, DRC)

• Cédric Makiadi (Werder Bremen, Germany)

• Jean Munganga (AS Vita Club, DRC)

• Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion, England)

Forwards

• Jérémy Bokila (Terek Grozny, Russia)

• Junior Kabananga (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)

• Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace, England)

• Firmin Mubele (AS Vita Club, DRC)

• Cédric Mabwati (Osasuna, Spain)

• Dieumerci Mbokani Bezua (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine)

  

DR Congo may not be among the tournament favorites, but with talented youth, European-based stars, and a coach who knows how to motivate his team, the Leopards are capable of surprises. The dream of a third AFCON title lives on.

📊 Poll: How far will DR Congo go at AFCON 2015?
[poll id=”132″]