Florent Ibenge is facing a tough challenge with the DR Congo squad ahead of the FIFA matchday and the two friendlies against Iraq. After successfully calling up several dual nationals, the coach is now dealing with a wave of withdrawals.
Following the earlier absences of Presnel Kimpembe, Jordan Ikoko, and Pedro-Luis Cavanda, Hervin Ongenda has also decided not to join the national team. Despite being called up, the Bastia midfielder, on loan from PSG, has chosen to stay with his club rather than represent DR Congo at this time.
This string of withdrawals complicates Ibenge’s preparations and forces him to rely more on locally based players to fill the gaps.
