In anticipation of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2023, in Côte d'Ivoire, the French head coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Sébastien Desabre, has officially announced his squad of 24 players. The selection includes seven players currently plying their trade in Ligue 1, featuring notable names such as Nantes' Samuel Moutoussamy and Olympique de Marseille's defensive stalwart, Chancel Mbemba.
The Revealing of the SquadThe suspense surrounding the DR Congo's roster for the upcoming CAN has come to an end. Sébastien Desabre, the French tactician at the helm of the national team, has unveiled the list of 24 players who will represent DR Congo in the prestigious tournament. The team is drawn into Group F, alongside Morocco, Zambia, and Tanzania. The Congo, absent from the last CAN in Cameroon, enters the competition with a sense of ambition, buoyed by a generation of well-known players.
Notable Inclusions from Ligue 1Among the 24 players selected by Desabre, seven currently play in the French Ligue 1. The squad comprises Rodez AF's Lionel Mpasi, Montpellier HSC's Dimitry Bertaud, FC Lorient's Gédéon Kalulu, AS Saint-Étienne's Dylan Batubinsika, FC Nantes' Samuel Moutoussamy, Olympique de Marseille's Chancel Mbemba, and Amiens SC's Gaël Kakuta.
Additionally, several players with previous experience in Ligue 1 have been chosen for the competition. The defensive unit includes Joris Kayembe and Arthur Masuaku, while the attacking options feature Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, and Simon Banza.
CAN 2023 JourneyDR Congo will kick off its campaign in the tournament on January 17, facing Zambia in the opening match. Subsequent challenges include clashes against Morocco and Tanzania on January 21 and 24, respectively, in the group stage.
The 24-Man Squad:Goalkeepers:
- Lionel Mpasi (Rodez AF)
- Baggio Siadi (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)
- Dimitry Bertaud (Montpellier HSC)
Defenders:
- Brian Bayeye (Ascoli, Italy)
- Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland)
- Gédéon Kalulu (FC Lorient)
- Dylan Batubinsika (AS Saint-Étienne)
- Arthur Masuaku (Besiktas, Turkey)
- Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille)
- Joris Kayembe (Genk, Belgium)
- Henock Inonga Baka (Simba, Tanzania)
Midfielders:
- Edo Kayembe (Watford, England)
- Silas Katompa Mvumpa (Stuttgart, Germany)
- Charles Pickel (Cremonese, Italy)
- Meschack Elia (Young Boys, Switzerland)
- Samuel Moutoussamy (FC Nantes)
- Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia)
- Aaron Tshibola (Hatta Club, UAE)
- Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion, England)
- Gaël Kakuta (Amiens SC)
Forwards:
- Yoane Wissa (Brentford, England)
- Cédric Bakambu (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Simon Banza (Sporting Braga, Portugal)
- Fiston Mayele (Pyramids FC, Egypt)
The inclusion of a mix of experienced players and emerging talents in the squad reflects Desabre's strategy to navigate through the challenging CAN campaign successfully. The French manager, who has been instrumental in shaping the team, aims to harness the strengths of players from different leagues to create a formidable unit.
The presence of Ligue 1 stalwarts like Samuel Moutoussamy and Chancel Mbemba adds a touch of familiarity to the squad. Their experience in top-tier European football will be crucial as DR Congo seeks to make an impact on the continental stage.
As the players prepare for the tournament, the expectations from the fans are high. DR Congo's football faithful will be hoping for a memorable performance, with aspirations of progressing deep into the competition and, perhaps, clinching the coveted title.
The Group F encounters against strong opponents such as Morocco and Zambia promise intense and competitive football. DR Congo's journey in CAN 2023 will undoubtedly be closely followed by fans worldwide, and the squad is poised to showcase its talent and determination on the grand stage of African football. The upcoming tournament is not just a football event; it's an opportunity for DR Congo to make a statement and etch its name in the annals of African football history.