The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced its provisional squad for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with 36 players named ahead of the tournament set to take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The Leopards, two-time champions of the competition (2009, 2016), are aiming for a historic third title under the guidance of head coach Otis N’Goma.
The DRC squad will kick off their preparations with a mini-camp in Kinshasa from July 16 to July 20. Following this, they will travel to Algeria for a more intensive training camp, which will run from July 21 to July 30.
The training camps will allow N’Goma and his coaching staff to evaluate the team and sharpen their tactics as they prepare for one of Africa’s most prestigious tournaments.
Among the notable inclusions in the squad is Oscar Kabwit, a key player for the Leopards, whose contribution will be vital if DR Congo is to replicate its past successes.
The team’s blend of experience and youthful energy will be essential in their quest for glory. The squad is determined to make an impact after a successful qualification campaign, where they defeated Chad 3-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in the first leg and a dominant second-leg victory.
However, the road to the 2025 CHAN title will be far from easy, as DR Congo has been drawn into a tough Group A, often referred to as the “Group of Death.”
The group includes Morocco, two-time champions of the tournament, hosts Kenya, Angola, and Zambia. With Morocco and Kenya both posing formidable threats, the DRC faces a highly competitive and intense group stage.
Morocco, known for their tactical acumen, and Kenya, who will be buoyed by the support of the home crowd, will undoubtedly provide significant challenges for the Leopards.
To prepare for the upcoming battles, DR Congo will face Algeria in a series of friendly matches during their training camp in Algiers. These fixtures are an invaluable opportunity for the team to test their strength against one of Africa’s top-ranked nations.
Facing a team of Algeria’s caliber will provide N’Goma with the perfect platform to assess his players’ readiness and make final adjustments to their strategy.
The DRC’s participation in the 2025 CHAN is expected to be a highly anticipated affair, as the Leopards look to add another chapter to their storied history in the competition.
Having won the tournament twice already, the team’s ambition remains clear – to lift a third title and cement their place among the giants of African football.
Their experience in continental competitions and a squad brimming with talent leaves little doubt that the DRC will be a team to watch in the upcoming CHAN.
With just over a year remaining until the tournament kicks off, the DRC’s preparations will be crucial. With N’Goma’s leadership, an experienced squad, and a clear sense of purpose, the Leopards will be looking to go all the way in what promises to be a highly competitive 2025 CHAN in East Africa.
