AFCON 2023: SEBASTIEN DASABRE NAMES HIS FINAL 23 MAN OF DR CONGO FOR AFCON

Experienced gaffer Sebastien Dasabre, the coach of the Leopards of DR Congo has named his final 23-man-squad that will represent the country during the continental showpiece next year in Ivory Coast. 

The two-times African Champions and first sub Saharan African country to represent at the World Cup in 1974 missed out during the last Afcon in Cameroon.

Despite failing to appear in Cameroon, they made brilliant strides in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers as they came very close to returning to the mundial only to be sent off by memi-finalists, Morocco in the playoffs.

The squad consist of experienced and blend of other young ones.

Galatasaray's Cedric Bakambu is probably the biggest name in the squad alongside Chancel Mbemba of Olympic Marseille and Brentford's Yoane Wissa.

Former West Ham United left back now with Besiktas, Arthur Masuaku made the cut while former Chelsea winger now with Amiens in the French Lig 2, Gael Kakuta is also part of the squad.

Surprisingly missing out in the squad is former Manchester United defender who is now with Ipswich Town, Axel Tuanzebe together with Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu of Luton Town who has played 5 levels of English Football from tier 1 up to the 5th which is unprecedented in English football.

The Leopards are paired in Group F alongside Morocco, Zambia and Tanzania. 

They open their account on 17th January against 2012 champions Zambia and four days later against 1976 champions and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco all in San Pedro before making a final trip to Korhogo where they play Tanzania in the last group encounter. 

Here is the full squad:

GOALKEEPERS

Lionel Mpasi (Rodez/France), Dimitry Sylvan Bertraud (Montpellier/France), Baggio Siadi (TP Mazembe/DR Congo)

DEFENDERS

Brian Bayeye (Ascoli/Italy), Geodeon Kalulu (Lorient/France), Arthur Masuaku( Besiktas/Turkey), Chancel Mbemba Mangulu(Marseille/France), Joris Kayembe(RKC Genk/Belgium), Rocky Bushiri(Hibernian/Scotland), Dylan Batubinsika( St Etienne/France)

MIDFIELDERS

Edo Kayembe(Watford/England), Samuel Matoussamy (Nantes/France), Gael Kakuta(Amiens/France), Charles Pickel (US Cremonense/Italy), Aaron Tshibola(Hattar/ UAE), Theo Bongonda(Spartak Moscow/Russia), Silas Katompa (Stuttgart/Germany) Grady Diangana(Westbrom/England), Elia Mersharck(Young Boys/Switzerland)

ATTACKERS

Cedric Bakambu(Galatasaray/Turkey), Yoane Wissa(Brentford/England), Fiston Kalala Mayele (Pyramid FC/Egypt), Simon Banza(Sporting Braga/Portugal).

Story by: Mohammed Awal Hudu (Kessben FM/TV)