Three new caps named for DR Congo’s must-win qualifier

The Democratic Republic of Congo have named three new players in a 27-man squad for their must-win Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Gabon this month plus recalled another two long term absentees.

The Congolese sit bottom of Group I but are only three points behind leaders Gabon, with Sudan and Mauritania sandwiched in between.

To stand any chance of qualifying for next year’s finals in the Ivory Coast, the Congolese effectively need to win their penultimate qualifier, away in Franceville on Sunday, June 18.

French coach Sebastien Desabre has for the first time named central defender Dylan Batubinsika (27), who began his career at Paris Saint-Germain and played in the Champions League this season for Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, along with another central defender and former Belgian youth international Rocky Bushiri and the Angolan-based goalkeeper Esdras Kabamba who had been shortlisted in March for the last two qualifiers, both against Mauritania, but ultimately was not picked.

Striker Jonathan Bolingi, who was a junior at Jomo Cosmos, is back for the first time in 12 months while and Spanish-based midfielder Nuke Mfulu, whose only previous cap was in 2020.

The call-ups are marked by the absence of Cédric Bakambu, top scorer in the Greek championship with Olympiakos this season, who is suspended after being controversially red card against Mauritania in March.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) having refused to cancel his red card, the Desbre said deemed it preferable not to call him up only for the friendly match against Uganda in Douala, Cameroon on June 14, which serves as warm-up for the trip to Gabon.

The Congolese will now look to Fiston Mayele for goals. The Young Africans striker plays in the African Confederation Cup final this Saturday and has been linked with a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs for next season’s DStv Premiership.

Goalkeeper Joël Kiassumbua is injured while full-back Gédéon Kalulu, midfielder Pelly Mpanzu, freshly promoted to the Premier League with Luton Town, and striker Silas Katompa are missing through personal reasons, Desabre said.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Esdras Kabamba (Bravos do Maquis, Angola), Lionel Mpasi (Rodez, France), Baggio Siadi (TP Mazembe)

Defenders: Henock Baka (Simba, Tanzania), Dylan Batumbisika (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Merveille Bope (Standard Liege, Belgium), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Jordan Ikoko (Pafos, Greece), Arthur Masuaku (Besiktas, Turkey), Chancel Mbemba (Olympique Marseille, France), Dieumerci Mukoko (Difaa El Jadida, Morocco), Vital Nsimba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Arsène Zola (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco)

Midfieders: William Balwikisha (Standard Liege, Belgium), Meschak Élia (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Glody Lilepo (Al Hilal, Sudan), Nuke Mfulu (Las Palmas, Spain), Samuel Moutoussamy (Nantes, France), Gaël Kakuta (Amiens, France), Arnauld Lusamba (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Aaron Tshibola (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

Forwards: Chadrac Akolo (St Gallen, Switzerland), Jonathan Bolingi (Buriram United, Thailand), Theo Bongonda (Cadiz, Spain), Aldo Kalulu (Sochaux, France), Fiston Mayele (Young Africans, Tanzania), Yoane Wissa (Brentford, England).