Congo name final squad for crucial November AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Congo manager Claude Le Roy has announced his final squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Comoros in November.

The Diables Rouges will go into the decisive double-header bottom of their group, but remain in contention as they look to revive their qualification campaign.

There is no place for Niels Nkounkou of Nice, while AS Nancy defender Nehemiah Fernandez has been included as a new face. Morgan Poaty, who plays for Lausanne-Sport, is the surprise addition to the squad.

The 25-man selection is made up of players based across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Goalkeepers

Ndinga Perrault (Tusker FC, Kenya), Trey Vimalin (US Torcy, France), Zinga Melvin (Angers SCO, France).

Defenders

Yhoan Andzouana (Konyaspor, Turkey), Nehemiah Fernandez (AS Nancy, France), Makosso Christ (AJ Auxerre, France), Mazikou Bradley (Servette FC, Switzerland), Berilhod Mbemba (Al Merrikh, Sudan), Mouanga Kevin (Kasımpasa, Turkey), Passi Bryan (Valenciennes, France), Poaty Morgan (Lausanne-Sport, Switzerland).

Midfielders

Dembi Fred (Al-Hamriyah, United Arab Emirates), Hondermarck William (Bromley, England), Loemba Inno (Simba SC, Tanzania), Makoumbou Antoine (Sampdoria, Italy), Makouta Gaius (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Massanga Chandrel (Eyupspor, Turkey), Merveil Ndockyt (AS FAR, Morocco).

Forwards

Bantsiele Geltany (CARA, Congo), Bassouamina Mons (CS Maritimo, Portugal), Bifouma Thievy (Persepolis FC, Iran), Ikia Dimi (Gornik Zabrze, Poland), Mbenza Guy (LN Tieren, China), Mboula Jordi (AE Kifisia, Greece), Namboka Beni (Manema Union, Democratic Republic of the Congo).