Melvin Zinga ruled out of Congo’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia

Congo goalkeeper Melvin Zinga will miss his side’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Namibia on Thursday, 24 September.

The 24-year-old Angers goalkeeper is ineligible for the Group? — no group not specified — match, which will be played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, the Congolese Football Federation confirmed.

Zinga was included in Claude Le Roy’s 27-man squad for the qualifiers but must wait for FIFA to approve his eligibility to represent Congo.

The goalkeeper previously played for France at youth level, including appearances for the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-20 teams.

He had received his first call-up to the Congo squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Until FIFA issues its decision, Zinga will remain unavailable for the first round of matches against Namibia’s Brave Warriors.

Le Roy will therefore have to select either Bonazebi Chelcy or Ndinga Perrauld in goal. Both players were also named in the 27-man squad announced on 15 September.