Hervé Happy has unveiled a 30-player provisional squad as the DR Congo women’s national team ramps up preparations for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Leopards will begin their final training phase with a camp in Kinshasa, starting this Saturday, before moving to Algeria for a second phase, where they will play a friendly match in what will be their final warm-up fixture.
That encounter is seen as a crucial confidence booster, as the team has suffered eight consecutive defeats in recent outings.
With time running short, coach Happy faces the challenge of refining his squad and reinforcing tactical structures ahead of the tournament’s kick-off.
The Franco-Cameroonian tactician has turned to fresh options, selecting four notable reinforcements following the previous training camp.
Among the new inclusions are defenders N. Kambala (AS Cannes) and K. Iyombe (AS Monaco), brought in to provide stability in a backline that has often looked vulnerable. Joining them are attacking players Esther Buabadi (Feyenoord Rotterdam) and J. Kimwemwe (Cincinnati, USA), expected to add flair and goal-scoring threat to the front line.
Four players from the recent Tanzanian training camp retain their places: Djannae Longo, Eva Sumo, Ruth Bulala, and Anastasia Soulac — all of whom reportedly impressed the coaching staff and are now in strong contention for final selection.
The squad also sees the return of several experienced names.
Francesca Lueya (Zulte Waregem), Dorcas Vangu (WAC Morocco), and Sarah Yasongamo (Antalyaspor, Turkey) are among those recalled, alongside Ruth Kipoyi, Noamie Kabakaba, and Exaucé Kizinga — all of whom were absent during the previous trip to Tanzania.
Their comeback signals a renewed push for balance and experience in what Happy hopes will be a rejuvenated squad.
The DR Congo team will begin their Group A campaign on Sunday, July 6th at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, facing Cameroon’s Lionesses.
It will be a critical fixture, not only for points but for momentum, as the Leopards attempt to shake off recent struggles and make a mark at the continent’s biggest women’s football event.
Further group matches will follow against tournament hosts Morocco on Wednesday, July 9th in Rabat, before concluding the group stage against Zambia’s Copper Queens on Saturday, July 12th back in Mohammedia.
A poor start would risk extending the Leopards’ troubling winless streak, a scenario the squad is desperate to avoid as they aim for redemption and relevance on the continental stage.
