Chancel Mbemba will captain the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament, set to be held in Ivory Coast next year. However, the new squad announced by coach Sébastien Desabre, consisting of 24 players, does not include Luton's forward Billy Rodaok Mbanzu. The squad also excludes Axel Tuanzebe, a former England under-21 player, who was part of the preliminary list earlier this month alongside former Fulham player Neeskens Kebano.
Despite this, the team still features many familiar faces as they prepare to face Morocco, Tanzania, and Zambia in the first round of Group C. The Democratic Republic of the Congo will play their first match in the tournament against Zambia in San Pedro on January 17. The team will hold a training camp in Abu Dhabi starting January 1, where they will play two friendly matches against Angola and Burkina Faso.
The new squad for the Democratic Republic of the Congo includes the following:
Goalkeepers: Dimitri Bertoz, Lionel Mebasi, Baggio Siadi.
Defenders: Dylan Patoubinsika, Bryan Paaei, Rocky Bushiri, Henock Inunga, Gideon Kalulu, Joris Kaimbi, Arthur Masuaku, Chancel Mbemba.
Midfielders: Théo Bongonda, Grady Diangana, Gaël Kakuta, Edo Kaimbi, Samuel Motusami, Charles Pickel, Aaron Chipola.
Forwards: Simon Banza, Cédric Bakambu, Michalak Elia, Silas Katumba, Viston Mayele, Yvan Wissa.
