Despite being sidelined at Olympique de Marseille, Chancel Mbemba has earned a call-up to the DR Congo national team for the opening matches of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The decision by head coach Sébastien Desabre has sparked debate, given that Mbemba has not played a single minute for Marseille this season. However, Desabre has made it clear that he has no doubts about the defender’s readiness.
As DR Congo prepares to face Guinea on Friday in their first qualifying match, Desabre addressed concerns about Mbemba’s physical condition head-on during a press conference.
His response was unequivocal, affirming his confidence in the player’s professionalism and fitness.
“If you doubt Chancel, it’s because you don’t know him. He trains with Marseille, he’s a professional, he’s extremely motivated,” Desabre stated firmly.
His words reflected a deep trust in Mbemba’s abilities, despite the player’s recent exclusion from Marseille’s first team.
Mbemba’s situation at Marseille has been a topic of much discussion. Once a key figure for the club, the defender has found himself on the sidelines this season, with no playing time under his belt.
This absence from the pitch, however, did not deter Desabre from selecting him for the national squad, a decision that underscores the coach’s belief in Mbemba’s capabilities.
The former FC Porto star has had a turbulent period, recently failing to secure a move to Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia during the final hours of the transfer window.
Despite this setback, Mbemba remains a crucial part of DR Congo’s plans as they embark on their journey to qualify for AFCON 2025.
Desabre’s unwavering support for Mbemba highlights the defender’s importance to the national team.
With DR Congo’s qualifying campaign kicking off, Mbemba’s experience and leadership are seen as vital assets, even if his current club situation suggests otherwise.
As DR Congo takes on Guinea, all eyes will be on whether Mbemba starts, a decision that could further validate Desabre’s faith in the player.
The coach’s comments suggest that, regardless of his lack of club action, Mbemba is expected to play a pivotal role in DR Congo’s bid for AFCON qualification.
The situation also raises broader questions about the dynamics between club and international football, especially when a player’s status at his club does not align with his importance to the national team.
For Mbemba, the upcoming matches present an opportunity to prove his worth on the international stage, potentially reigniting his club career in the process.
