The Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) announced the list of 25 players who will represent the Leopards when they open up 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying at home in Group I against Gabon on June 4 before traveling to face Sudan four days later. Manager Héctor Cúper is looking more towards the future after relying on a veteran core for the playoff round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, leaving out experienced strikers Cédric Bakambu and Dieumerci Mbokani.
The on fire Jackson Muleka, having a career season in Turkish football, will be counted upon to provide the goals without Bakambu and Mbokani. Another notable missing name is defensive cornerstone Chancel Mbemba while veteran defender Marcel Tisserand will be seen as the leader of the defense along with goalkeeper Joël Kiassumbua. Four members from Congolese powerhouse TP Mazembe have been called after the team’s run to the 2021-22 CAF Confederation Cup and three more named in the list of alternates.
