Former Simba and AS FAR defender Henoc Inonga Baka moves to Iraqi club

Congolese central defender Henoc Inonga Baka will continue his club career in Iraq after spending five months as a free agent.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by نادي الزوراء Al Zawraa SC (@alzawraasc)

Baghdad-based Al Zawraa SC confirmed the arrival of the powerful defender as they attempt to make a push for the Iraq Stars League title. Al-Nawaris are currently in 5th place on the league table, six points back of leaders Al Quwa Al Jawiya.

The 32-year-old defender offers plenty of experience at top African clubs including Tanzanian giants Simba SC, and most recently Morocco’s AS FAR. He has made over fifty appearances in CAF interclub competitions and has made 27 appearances for his country, representing DR Congo at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the Leopards finished fourth place.

Inonga Baka has plenty of trophies to his name, earning his first in 2021 when he won the Coupe du Congo with Kinshasa club DC Motema Pembe. He was named Best Defender following the 2020-21 season in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League with Simba, also being named in the league’s Team of the Season that campaign as well as the following season.

He also represented the DRC at the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) before becoming a regular contributor for the Leopards’ senior team, playing every minute of their successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Unfortunately, a lack of regular playing time and an extended spell as a free agent saw him fall out of the reckoning for Leopards coach Sébastien Desabre ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as well as crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

Henoc Inonga Baka Joins Al Zawraa SC in Iraq

The arrival of Henoc Inonga Baka is viewed as a major defensive reinforcement for Al Zawraa SC, a club with a rich history and high ambitions. Nicknamed Al-Nawaris, the Baghdad outfit currently sits fifth in the league standings, six points behind leaders Al Quwa Al Jawiya.

With the title race still wide open, Al Zawraa’s management believes that the experience, physical presence, and leadership qualities of Inonga Baka could prove decisive in their push for domestic silverware. Known for his aerial dominance and composure under pressure, the 32-year-old is expected to slot straight into the heart of the defence.

A New Chapter After Five Months as a Free Agent

After leaving Moroccan side AS FAR, Henoc Inonga Baka found himself without a club for several months. While the period away from competitive football was challenging, it also allowed the Congolese defender to carefully evaluate his next move.

The switch to Iraq represents an opportunity to relaunch his career in a competitive environment where he is likely to receive consistent playing time. For a player who thrives on rhythm and match sharpness, regular minutes in the Iraq Stars League could be key to regaining top form.

Henoc Inonga Baka’s Journey Through African Football

Henoc Inonga Baka boasts an impressive résumé across African club football. He rose to prominence with Tanzanian giants Simba SC, where he established himself as one of the league’s most reliable defenders.

During the 2020–21 season, his outstanding performances earned him the Best Defender award in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League. He was also named in the league’s Team of the Season that year and repeated the feat in the following campaign, highlighting his consistency and dominance at the back.

Before his spell in Tanzania, Inonga Baka lifted the Coupe du Congo in 2021 with Kinshasa-based side DC Motema Pembe, securing the first major trophy of his career.

Continental Experience and CAF Competitions

One of Inonga Baka’s biggest strengths is his extensive experience in continental competitions. Across his career, he has made more than 50 appearances in CAF interclub tournaments, competing against some of Africa’s strongest teams.

This exposure to high-pressure matches at continental level is expected to be a major asset for Al Zawraa SC, particularly in tight league fixtures where defensive discipline and experience often make the difference.

Henoc Inonga Baka and His International Career with DR Congo

At international level, Henoc Inonga Baka has earned 27 caps for DR Congo, commonly known as the Leopards. He represented his country at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where DR Congo impressed by finishing in fourth place.

Earlier in his international journey, he also featured at the 2020 African Nations Championship, a competition reserved for players active in domestic African leagues. His consistent performances eventually made him a regular starter for the senior national team.

Notably, Inonga Baka played every minute of DR Congo’s successful qualification campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, underlining his importance to the squad during that period.

Setbacks Before AFCON 2025 and World Cup Qualifiers

Despite his experience, a lack of regular club football and his extended time as a free agent saw Inonga Baka fall out of favor with Leopards head coach Sébastien Desabre. As a result, he missed out on selection for the AFCON 2025 tournament and crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.

The move to Al Zawraa SC could therefore be crucial not just for his club career, but also for his hopes of earning a recall to the national team.

Henoc Inonga Baka’s move to Al Zawraa SC marks a fresh chapter in the career of the experienced Congolese defender as he looks to re-establish himself at club level.
With regular playing time in the Iraq Stars League, Henoc Inonga Baka will aim to regain top form and push for a return to the DR Congo national team.