Desabre names DR Congo squad including Wan-Bissaka and Fiston Mayele for AFCON 2025 in Morocco

DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre has officially announced his squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Leopards preparing for a major challenge in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January.

The list features high-profile names, including Fiston Mayele, the Pyramids FC striker and reigning African Inter-Club Player of the Year, as well as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the West Ham United defender.

The Leopards were drawn into Group D alongside Benin, Senegal, and Botswana, and will kick off their AFCON campaign on 23 December with a clash against Benin.

DR Congo Squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: T. Fayulu (FC Noah), L. Mpasi (Le Havre), M. Epolo (Standard Liege).

Defenders: A. Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), G. Kalulu (Aris Limassol), A. Masuaku (Sunderland), J. Kayembe (KRC Genk), R. Bushiri (Hibernian FC), A. Tuanzebe (Burnley), C. Mbemba (Lille), S. Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw).

Midfielders: N. Sadiki (Sunderland), E. Kayembe (Watford), S. Moutoussamy (Atromitos), C. Pickel (Espanyol), N. Mukau (Lille), M. Stroeykens (Anderlecht), T. Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), M. Balikwisha (Celtic), N. Mbuku (Montpellier), B. Cipenga (Castellón).

Forwards: S. Banza (Al Jazira), F. Mayele (Pyramids), S. Essende (Augsburg), M. Elia (Alanyaspor), C. Bakambu (Real Betis).

DR Congo enter the tournament with high momentum, having recently reached the intercontinental playoff in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, placing themselves within touching distance of a spot in the global finals hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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