Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, Olympique Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba, and Galatasaray forward Cedric Bakambu headline the 24-man squad list announced by Democratic Republic of Congo boss Sébastien Desabre on Thursday for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
47-year-old Desabre, who was named as head coach of DR Congo in 2022, will lead the Leopards to their 20th AFCON tournament when the competition kicks off on January 13.
Wissa has four goals and two assists across 20 games for Brentford this season, while Bakambu has netted twice in 16 games for the Turkish giants this campaign, with Mbemba boasting five goals and seven clean sheets for Marseille in 24 games this term.
#RDC #RDcongo #FecofaRdc Voici la liste de nos léopards séniors pour la #CANCôtedIvoire pic.twitter.com/GuP3gfONGj
— Compte Officiel de Léopards (@fecofa_kinshasa) December 27, 2023
Other notable names on the list of invited players include Swiss-based winger Meschak Elia, West Bromwich Albion’s Grady Diangana, Vfb Stutgart forward Silas, and former Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta.
The Leopards are placed in Group F alongside Zambia, Morocco, and Tanzania, and they will kickstart their hunt for a third AFCON title with a clash against the Chipolopolos on January 17.
FULL LIST OF SELECTED PLAYERS FOR DR CONGO
Goalkeepers: Lionel Mpasi (Rodez), Dimitry Bertaud (Montpellier), Baggio Siadi (TP Mazembe).
Defenders: Brian Bayeye (Ascoli), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian FC), Gédéon Kalulu (Lorient), Dylan Batubinsika (Saint Etienne), Arthur Masuaku (Besiktas), Chancel Mbemba (Olympique Marseille), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Henock Baka (Simba)
Midfielders: Edo Kayembe (Watford), Silas Katompa Mvumpa (Stuttgart), Charles Pickel (Cremonese), Samuel Moutoussamy (Nantes), Meschack Elia (Young Boys), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Aaron Tshibola (Hatta), Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion), Gaël Kakuta (Amiens).
Forwards: Yoane Wissa (Brentford), Cédric Bakambu (Galatasaray), Simon Banza (SC Braga), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids).
