Local Player Magloire Ntambwe Joins Léopards Squad for Sierra Leone Match

The Congolese national football team, known as the Léopards, has called up local player Magloire Ntambwe from TP Mazembe to replace injured defender Willy Kambwala for their upcoming CAN 2027 qualifier against Sierra Leone. This move marks a significant development for the team under coach Sébastien Desabre, who had faced criticism for not including local players in the squad. Ntambwe's inclusion comes after Kambwala's injury, which was announced by the Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (Fecofa) on November 9.

The match against Sierra Leone is part of the CAN 2027 qualifiers, with the first leg scheduled for November 12 at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa and the second leg set for November 17 in Morocco. Coach Desabre had previously announced a 26-player squad, which includes the return of attacker Cédric Bakambu and goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu. Notably, Théo Bongonda is absent from the squad. The Léopards aim to secure a win against Sierra Leone to validate their qualification for the CAN 2027 finals.

Magloire Ntambwe's selection is seen as a positive step for the team, as it addresses concerns about the inclusion of local players. The Congolese press had been discussing the issue, and Ntambwe's call-up puts an end to the debate. His addition to the squad brings fresh talent and potentially new dynamics to the team. The Léopards will look to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare to face Sierra Leone.

Coach Sébastien Desabre's squad announcement on November 6 included a mix of experienced players and new faces. The return of Cédric Bakambu and Timothy Fayulu is expected to bolster the team's attacking and defensive capabilities. However, the absence of Théo Bongonda has raised questions among fans and pundits. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the CAN 2027 finals.

The Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (Fecofa) has expressed support for Willy Kambwala, wishing him a speedy recovery from his injury. The federation's statement also confirmed Kambwala's replacement by Magloire Ntambwe. This development highlights the challenges faced by teams in the lead-up to major tournaments, where injuries can impact squad selection and team performance.

The Léopards' matches against Sierra Leone will be crucial in determining their qualification for the CAN 2027 finals. A strong performance is expected from the team, and coach Desabre will be looking to make the most of his squad's talent. The inclusion of local players like Magloire Ntambwe could prove to be a key factor in the team's success.

The upcoming matches against Sierra Leone mark an important milestone for the Léopards under coach Sébastien Desabre. With a mix of experienced players and new faces, the team will look to secure a win and qualify for the CAN 2027 finals. The selection of Magloire Ntambwe and the return of key players will be critical in shaping the team's performance in the qualifiers.

Key points

• Magloire Ntambwe replaces injured Willy Kambwala in Léopards squad for CAN 2027 qualifier against Sierra Leone.