DR Congo name squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe

DR Congo have announced their squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe.

The Leopards will begin their qualifying campaign at home against Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Stade des Martyrs.

Sébastien Desabre’s side will then travel to Zimbabwe for their second qualifying fixture on Monday, September 28, with the game set to be played at Harare Stadium.

DR Congo will also play two friendly matches against Uganda in October, with the two-legged tie scheduled for October 2 and 6.

The squad features a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging talents, including Premier League defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Yoane Wissa, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku and former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe.

Desabre will hope his squad can deliver a positive start to the qualifying campaign as the Leopards target qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

DR Congo squad

Goalkeepers

Mathieu Epolo, Dimitry Bertaud, Nicaise Ndibu

Defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Gédéon Kalulu, Kevin Pedro, Joris Kayembe, Stanley Nsoki, Arthur Masuaku, Joris Makengo, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, William Kambwala, Dylan Batubinsika

Midfielders

Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Noah Mukau, Noah Mbamba, Enock Banzuzi, William Mbuku, Béni Cipenga, Meschack Elia, Théo Bongonda, Samuel Idumbo-Muzambo

Forwards

Afimico Pululu, Yoane Wissa, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele