The Democratic Republic of Congo are getting closer to returning to the world stage since the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.
Twice the champions of the coveted AFCON, D.R. Congo has not been able to write anything proper at the world stage, and the current generation has the potential to write proper history for the nation that is blessed with football talents.
Then called Zaire, West Germany 74 was a disastrous tournament where anyone associated with Congolese football doesn’t want to hear. Zaire in Group 2 lost 2-0 to Scotland in their opening game. On matchday two, they were pulverised 9-0 by Yugoslavia and lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final game of the group.
This is the history that the current generation is trying to rewrite. Sebastian Desabre’s side is yet to know their opponents for the slot for the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards are waiting for the winner of the fixture between Jamaica and New Caledonia. They will face the winner on March 31st in Mexico.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre has announced his squad, with the return of Newcastle United’s talented forward Yoane Wissa stealing the attention. Pyramids’ Fiston Mayele and Villareal’s Cedric Bakambu are part of the forwards.
The squad includes veteran skipper Chancel Mbemba in defence. Also, Wan Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku are all part of the defence.
In midfield, Sunderland’s young box-to-box midfielder Noah Sadiki is included. Also, Theo Bongonda, Samuel Moutoussamy and Meshack Elia are included. The goalkeeping department is headed by Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
Below is the squad:
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, Mathieu Epolo
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jeremy Ngakia, Joris Kayembe, Arthur Masuaku, Steve Kapuadi, Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Dylan Batubinsika
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngala Mukaou, Charles Pickel, Nathanael Mbuku, Brian Silbenga, Grady Diangana, Meshack Elia, Theo Bongonda
Forwards: Fiston Mayele, Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Yoane Wissa
