Friendlies: DR Congo squad list features Wan-Bissaka

Africa 08 May 2025 at 11:33

Amine Jomni

News Editor

Leopards head coach Sébastien Desabre unveiled on Thursday a list of 26 players called up for two friendly matches against Mali (June 5) and Madagascar (June 8).

These fixtures will serve as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

The core of the squad remains unchanged, featuring key players like Chancel Mbemba, Theo Bongonda, Samuel Moutoussamy, and Cédric Bakambu.

Nathanaël Mbuku, who missed the previous gathering, returns to the squad, as does Axel Tuanzebe, back in the fold after two consecutive absences. However, Silas Katompa, Grady Diangana, and Hénock Inonga have not been selected this time.

A debut for Wan-Bissaka and other reinforcements

The main headline is the first-ever call-up for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The star full-back from West Ham, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, has officially switched his sporting nationality and will now represent DR Congo.

Two other new faces join the squad: centre-back Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw, 1.97 m) and Afimico Pululu (Jagiellonia), currently the top scorer in the Europa Conference League with 8 goals.

Below is the full list of the 26 called-up players: