World Cup 2026 (Q): second withdrawal for the DR Congo Leopards!

Just days before the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Congolese team faces a second major setback.

Already deprived of their defensive rock, Axel Tuanzebe (Ipswich Town), due to a hamstring injury, DR Congo sees another key player withdraw.

Gédéon Kalulu forced to withdraw

Indeed, FC Lorient's right-back, Gédéon Kalulu, initially called up by coach Sébastien Desabre, will not be able to honor his selection due to a quadriceps injury.

The man with 22 caps for the Congolese squad will miss the next two Leopards matches: against South Sudan on March 22 in Kinshasa, and then against Mauritania on March 24 in Nouakchott.

The return of Bryan Bayeye

To compensate for this absence, the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has announced the call-up of FK Radnicki Nis (Serbia) standout, Bryan Bayeye.

At 24 years old, this versatile player, capable of playing in midfield or defense, returns to the squad after his last appearance at the 2024 AFCON, where he played only the third-place match lost to South Africa.

This is a great opportunity for him to re-establish himself in the colors of his homeland.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.