First call-up for the Leopards for Wan-Bissaka, Pululu and Kapuadi

As part of the June 2025 FIFA international window, the DR Congo head coach released on Thursday, May 8, the official squad list for the June training camp in Orléans, France.

For the friendlies against Mali (June 5) and Madagascar (June 8), coach Sébastien Desabre has bolstered his squad with three new recruits: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Afimico Pululu, and Steve Kapuadi, all earning their maiden call-up to the Leopards.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the 27-year-old right-back currently playing for West Ham in the Premier League, has officially chosen to represent DR Congo, the country of his roots, after previously featuring for DR Congo U17s in 2015, and for England's U20 (2018) and U21 (2019) squads.

Afimico Pululu, a 26-year-old striker for Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok, has also opted for DR Congo, despite receiving a call-up from Angola last March which he did not respond to. Born in Luanda to Congolese parents, he has expressed his deep connection to his Congolese heritage and his ambition to represent the Leopards. The top scorer in the UEFA Europa Conference League with 8 goals, he brings a dynamic and explosive profile to the squad.

Steve Kapuadi completes this trio of new selections. The 26-year-old French-Congolese centre-back plays for Legia Warsaw. A product of Zulte Waregem, he brings his imposing presence (1.97 m) and his experience in the Polish league to the Congolese back line.

Lydiane N'Po |

Editorfr, en

Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.