DR Congo Announces 28-Man Squad for Crucial CAN 2015 Qualifiers vs Ivory Coast
As the race for a place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations heats up, Florent Ibengé, head coach of the DR Congo national team, has revealed a 28-man pre-selection for the upcoming double-header against Ivory Coast in Group D.
🆚 Upcoming Fixtures:
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Matchday 3: DR Congo vs Ivory Coast
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Matchday 4: Ivory Coast vs DR Congo
After splitting their first two games — a loss to Cameroon and a win over Sierra Leone — the Leopards sit in a pivotal position in the group and need strong performances to stay in the qualification race.
❌ Notable Absentees:
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Trésor Mputu
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Yves Diba
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Dieumerci Mbokani
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Parfait Mandanda
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Elias Kachunga
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Britt Assombalonga
✅ New Call-ups:
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Clark Nsikulu (Evian TG)
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Anatole Ngamukol (Grasshoppers Zurich)
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Junior Kabananga (Bruges)
📋 Full Squad:
🔒 Goalkeepers:
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Nicaise Kudimbana (Anderlecht, Belgium)
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Robert Kidiaba Muteba (TP Mazembe)
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Hervé Lomboto (AS Vita Club)
🛡️ Defenders:
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Patou Ebunga (AS Vita Club)
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Jean Kasusula (TP Mazembe)
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Cédric Mongongu (Evian TG, France)
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Joël Kimuaki (TP Mazembe)
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Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough, England)
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Issama Mpeko (Kabuscorp, Angola)
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Mabele Bawaka (AS Vita Club)
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Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht, Belgium)
🎯 Midfielders:
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Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion, England)
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Cédric Makiadi (Werder Bremen, Germany)
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Distel Zola (Châteauroux, France)
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Tychique Ntela Kalema (Léopards de Dolisie)
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Lema Mabidi (AS Vita Club)
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Héritier Luvumbu (AS Vita Club)
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Guy Lusadisu (AS Vita Club)
⚡ Forwards:
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Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace, England)
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Anatole Ngamukol (Grasshopper Zurich, Switzerland)
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Junior Kabananga (Club Brugge, Belgium)
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Cédric Mabwati (Osasuna, Spain)
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Clark Nsikulu (Evian TG, France)
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Neeskens Kebano (Charleroi, Belgium)
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Jérémie Bokila (Terek Grozny, Russia)
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Firmin Mubele (AS Vita Club)
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Dark Kabangu (FC MK)
With several key players left out, the spotlight now falls on young and fringe talents to step up and help Ibengé’s squad secure vital points against one of Africa’s powerhouses, Ivory Coast.
