DR Congo Announce 25-Man Provisional Squad for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
DR Congo head coach Florent Ibengé has unveiled a 25-man provisional squad as the Leopards begin preparations for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Equatorial Guinea from 17 January to 8 February.
The list features a strong domestic base, with several players from Congolese giants TP Mazembe and AS Vita Club, complemented by key European-based talents. Coach Ibengé has also introduced a few new faces to the setup as the team looks to refine its options ahead of the final selection deadline on 28 December.
Among the newcomers are Christopher Oualembo, who plays for Académica Coimbra in Portugal, and Jacques Maghoma of Sheffield Wednesday, although the latter was not officially listed in the released squad. The coach’s expansive approach indicates fierce competition for places as DR Congo prepare to navigate a difficult Group B, which includes Tunisia, Cape Verde, and Zambia.
Provisional DR Congo Squad
Goalkeepers:
Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)
Hervé Lomboto (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Parfait Mandanda (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium)
Nicaise Kudimbana (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Defenders:
Bangala Litombo (DCMP, DR Congo)
Jean Kasusula (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)
Joël Kimwaki (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)
Mpeko Issama (Kabuscorp, Angola)
Lomanisa Mutambala (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Mabele Bawaka (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Cédric Mongongu (Evian TG, France)
Christopher Oualembo (Académica Coimbra, Portugal)
Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough United, England)
Midfielders:
Hervé Kage (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Neeskens Kebano (Sporting Charleroi, Belgium)
Lema Mabidi (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Cédric Makiadi (Werder Bremen, Germany)
Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion, England)
Nelson Munganga (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Distel Zola (Châteauroux, France)
Forwards:
Jérémy Bokila (Terek Grozny, Russia)
Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace, England)
Junior Kabananga (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)
Dark Kabangu (MK, DR Congo)
Luvumbu Nzinga (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Cédric Mabwati (Osasuna, Spain)
Dieumerci Mbokani (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine)
Mubele Ndombe (AS Vita Club, DR Congo)
Coach Ibengé will finalise his 23-man squad after further assessments during the team’s training camp. The Leopards are hoping to build on their strong qualifying campaign and make a statement at the tournament.
