Sébastien Desabre announces DR Congo squads for CAN qualifiers and friendlies

DR Congo national team coach Sébastien Desabre has announced two separate squads for upcoming international fixtures. The first group is designated for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers, featuring matches against Equatorial Guinea on September 24 and Zimbabwe on September 28.

The second squad is assembled for friendly matches against Uganda scheduled for October 2 and 5. This dual-group approach is intended to allow the coaching staff to evaluate a wider range of players within a condensed calendar.

Notable absences include star striker Cédric Bakambu, who was left available to his club, San Diego FC, to avoid potential 21-day quarantine complications imposed by U.S. health authorities for travelers arriving from the DRC. Additionally, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi is unavailable due to injury. New defensive profiles, including Willy Kambwala, Kevin Pedro, and Jordy Makengo, have been introduced to broaden the team's tactical options.