DR Congo's national team coach, Sebastien Desabre, has announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming CAN 2027 qualifiers against Sierra Leone. The squad includes experienced players like Cedric Bakambu and Timothy Fayulu, as well as new faces like Noah Mbamba and Ezéchiel Banzuzi. The team aims to maintain its competitiveness while preparing for the future. The qualifiers will take place in the third and fourth matchdays of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.
The squad features a mix of experienced and young players, with Desabre focusing on maintaining competitiveness while preparing for the future. In goal, the team has selected Matthieu Epolo, Dimitry Bertaud, and Timothy Fayulu. The defense will consist of Gédéon Kalulu, Kevin Pedro, Joris Kayembe, Steve Kapuadi, Arthur Masuaku, Jordy Makengo, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Willy Kambwala. The midfield will feature Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Noah Mbamba, Ezéchiel Banzuzi, Junior Kadile, Nathanaël Mbuku, Brian Cipenga, and Meschack Elia.
One of the notable inclusions in the squad is the return of Cedric Bakambu, who has rejoined the team after missing the previous gathering. Desabre stated that Bakambu's absence was due to his adaptation to his new professional environment in the United States. The team will also be boosted by the return of other experienced players, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka will miss the matches due to an injury sustained in the English Premier League.
The absence of Samuel Essende and Charles Pickel from the squad has raised questions, with Desabre citing competition in their respective positions. Essende has been impressive in the Swiss league, scoring 14 goals in 12 matches, but Desabre emphasized that opportunities in the national team must be seized by the players. Pickel's absence is attributed to sporting choices and competition in the midfield.
The integration of binationals, including Paris Brunner, a young German-Congolese attacker, has been a topic of discussion. Desabre stated that the technical staff and the Federation are working to present an attractive sporting project to players who may join the team. The coach emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the players and that the door to the national team is open to them.
Desabre has expressed caution ahead of the matches against Sierra Leone, acknowledging the quality of the opponent and their European-based players. He emphasized that the team must focus on winning the matches to secure qualification for the CAN 2027. The coach also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the U23 team coach, Guy Bukasa, to ensure a smooth transition between the different national teams.
Desabre's nomination among the coaches in contention for the CAF Awards has been recognized as a sign of progress for Congolese football. However, the coach emphasized that his primary objective remains improving the team's performance. The team currently has six points and needs to secure 12 points to qualify for the CAN 2027.
Key points
- Cedric Bakambu returns to the DR Congo squad after missing the previous gathering
- The team faces Sierra Leone in the CAN 2027 qualifiers
- Desabre aims to balance experience and youth in the squad
