DR Congo national team coach Sébastien Desabre faces a crucial decision in selecting a striker for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe. The four contenders - Samuel Essende, Fiston Mayele, Simon Banza, and Afimico Pululu - have all been in excellent form since the start of the season. Essende, playing for Young Boys in the Swiss top division, has scored 11 goals in 10 matches, making him a strong contender for the starting position.
Samuel Essende, formerly of Vizela in Portugal, has made an impressive start to the season, which could earn him his first start for the Leopards. Despite being given opportunities by the technical staff, Essende has yet to score in an official match for the national team, apart from a friendly match. His experience and current form make him a likely candidate to lead the line, but the team's tactical setup will play a significant role in the final decision.
Fiston Mayele, who plays for Al Ahli Tripoli in Libya, has been a consistent presence in the team, often used as a substitute by the technical staff. Mayele has featured in the last two CAN tournaments and the World Cup, where he scored. With Cédric Bakambu's absence, Mayele may see this as an opportunity to take a more prominent role in the team.
Simon Banza, who recently joined POAK Salonique in Greece, is still seeking to make a lasting impact for the Leopards. Despite being part of the squad for the CAN in Morocco and the World Cup, Banza's progress has been hampered by issues with his club, Braga. The former Lens player is considered the least flashy of the four strikers but still has a chance to prove himself.
Afimico Pululu, a new recruit from Al Hazem in Saudi Arabia, is eager to make his mark on the team. Having participated in a training camp with the Leopards a few months ago, Pululu will look to build on his experience with Jagellonia in Poland, where he was the top scorer in the Conference League.
The competition for the striker position is fierce, with each player bringing unique qualities to the table. Desabre's decision will be crucial in determining the team's attacking strategy for the qualifiers. The coach will need to weigh the experience and form of each player to make an informed decision.
The Leopards will face Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, and a strong attacking performance will be essential in securing victories. The team's preparation and lineup will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as the team looks to make a strong impression in the qualifiers.
Key points
- DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre must choose one of four in-form strikers for upcoming CAN 2027 qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe.
