DR Congo: Desabre puts an end to rumours about Bakambu

Speaking to the press on Friday, Sébastien Desabre sought to put an end to speculation surrounding Cédric Bakambu, who is absent for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the friendlies against Uganda.

A mutually agreed absence, not retirement

The French coach explained that this decision had been carefully considered with the player, whose move to San Diego is very recent. Regarding Bakambu, his signing came late at his club. We discussed it together and agreed that he should first focus on settling in.

Desabre dismisses any suggestion that his international career is over:

This is not the end of Cédric Bakambu in the national team. It will be the end when he himself decides… As for his international retirement from the DR Congo, only he can make that decision.

A new challenge at 35

At 35, the striker, who has won 72 caps and scored 21 goals, has just joined San Diego in Major Soccer League. He has so far made just two appearances there, scoring once, following his spell at Real Betis. Yet he remained in good form during the last World Cup.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

DR Congo

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations