Desabre’s double trouble for AFCON Qualifiers and Cranes

Democratic Republic of Congo national team coach Sébastien Desabre has officially unveiled the comprehensive roster of Leopards called up for a demanding stretch ahead, balancing the 1st and 2nd matchdays of major qualifiers alongside high-profile international friendlies.

The former Uganda Cranes head coach Desabre has meticulously prepared the DR Congo setup for the upcoming international window, which features crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and a highly anticipated double-header of friendly matches against the Uganda Cranes.

This heavy workload is governed by a major shift in the global football calendar. Under the new FIFA schedule, the traditional separate September and October international breaks are now joined together into a single, massive 16-day period running from September 21 to October 6. Rather than the usual two fixtures, national teams must navigate four matches during this combined stretch, with a separate, standard two-week break remaining in November where teams play two matches.

To conquer this gruelling block, Desabre has injected a wave of fresh energy into the setup. Fresh off their 2026 World Cup campaign, the technical staff selected a preliminary list featuring 12 new dual national players. 

This dual national expansion sits seamlessly alongside trusted core stars, ensuring key figures such as Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, Gaël Kakuta, and other European and African-based regulars anchor the tactical framework.

The Leopards, just like the Cranes, face a relentless calendar across the 16-day window, opening with crucial qualifying action before heading into international friendlies:

• DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea – 24/09 ( 2027 AFCON Qualifier)
• DR Congo vs Zimbabwe – 28/09 ( 2027 AFCON Qualifier)
• Uganda vs DR Congo – 02/10 (International Friendly in Abidjan)
• Uganda vs DR Congo – 05/10 (International Friendly in Abidjan)

Meanwhile, regional rivals are mirroring this intense preparation. Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has already named his side to play qualifiers against Tunisia away on September 24th and Libya at home on September 29th, before pivoting to face DR Congo in their early October double header.

DR Congo – First Squad (September 24-28 AFCON Qualifiers)

Goalkeepers

Matthieu Epolo (Standard de Liège), Dimitry Bertaud (Forge), Nathan Ndibu (Les Aigles du Congo)

Defenders

Aaron Wan Bissaka (Aston Villa), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris), Kevin Pedro (Saint-Étienne), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Arthur Masuaku (Konyaspor), Jordy Makengo (Freiburg), Chancel Mbemba (Al Diriya), Axel Tuanzebe (AJ Auxerre), Willy Kambwala (Como), Dylan Batubinsika (FC București)

Midfielders

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Edo Kayembe (Watford), Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille), Noah Mbamba (Lorient), Ezechiel Banzuzi (RB Leipzig), Nathanael Mbuku (St Trond), Brian Cipenga (Almeria), Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor), Théo Bongonda (Al Faisaly), Stanis Idumbo (Monaco)

Attackers

Afimico Pululu (Al Hazem), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Al Ahli Tripoli)

DR Congo Squad – Second Squad (October 2–5, Uganda Friendlies)

Goalkeepers

Matthieu Epolo (Standard de Liège), Dimitry Bertaud (Forge), Nathan Ndibu (Les Aigles du Congo)

Defenders

Gedeon Kalulu (Aris), Kévin Pedro (Saint-Étienne), Joris Kayembe (Genk), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Łódź), Jordy Makengo (Freiburg), Chancel Mbemba (Al Diriyah), Willy Kambwala (Como), Dylan Batubinsika (FC București)

Midfielders

Noah Sadiki (Sunderland), Jorthy Mokio (Ajax), Brandon Ndezi (Dijon), Paris Maghoma (Norwich City), Noah Mbamba (Lorient), Ezechiel Banzuzi (RB Leipzig), Stephy Mavididi (Watford), Junior Kadiile (Lens), Stanis Idumbo (Monaco)

Attackers

Anthony Musaba (Norwich City), Jackson Muleka (Konyaspor), Afimico Pululu (Al Hazem), Samuel Essende (Young Boys)

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