DR Congo name 26-man squad for Sierra Leone AFCON qualifying double-header

DR Congo have named a 26-man squad for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Sierra Leone in November.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre has selected a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as the Leopards prepare for two crucial Group E encounters against the Leone Stars.

The squad includes several established names, including captain Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s former Manchester United team-mate Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu.

Other notable selections include former Premier League defender William Kambwala, midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki and Silas Katompa Mvumpa, who features under the name Meschack in the squad announcement.

In goal, Desabre has called up Matthieu Epolo, Timothy Fayulu and D. Bertraud, while the defensive department features nine players, including Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku, Kalulu and Kambwala.

The midfield options comprise Edo Kayembe, Ezechiel Banzuzi, Moutoussamy, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Sadiki and N. Mbamba.

Up front, DR Congo will rely on the attacking qualities of Wissa, Bakambu, Fiston Mayele, Simon Banza, N. Mbuku, E. Meschack, J. Kadile and B. Cipenga.

The Leopards will host Sierra Leone in the first encounter at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

Sierra Leone will stage the second meeting away from home, with the match scheduled to take place in Morocco because the country’s national stadium is unavailable to host approved international fixtures.

The double-header could prove decisive in shaping Group E, with DR Congo making an impressive start to their qualifying campaign.

The Leopards collected six points from their opening two matches, defeating Equatorial Guinea 2-0 before securing a 2-1 away victory over Zimbabwe.

Sierra Leone, meanwhile, are seeking to revive their campaign after suffering defeats in their opening two fixtures, leaving them without a point.

With qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at stake, Desabre’s side will be aiming to maintain their winning start and strengthen their position at the top of the group.