DR Congo has every chance on its side to become the 10th African selection for the 2026 World Cup in North America (June 11-July 19) with Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. The Leopards led by Sébastien Desabre are competing in one of the two intercontinental play-offs for the World Cup in 10 days, being finalists against New Caledonia or Jamaica, on March 31 in Guadalajara. They are in a position of strength.
The French coach of the DRC, however, is facing a massacre of injuries. If Chancel Mbemba was reassuring about his level during the round of 16 second leg of the Europa League against Aston Villa (2-0), Thursday in England, his partner in the central hinge during the last African Cup of Nations, Axel Tuanzebe, is out. The rock trained at Manchester United has been affected by his Achilles tendon since February 2 and did not resume before the upcoming international window. On December 27, the hinge produced a benchmark match during the second day of the CAN against Senegal (1-1), the future African champion.
DR Congo without three or four holders?
That’s not all! Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe and Meschack Elia are all doubtful. The defensive midfielder who played for FC Nantes was injured during his last match with Greece (Atromitos), Watford midfielder Kayembe went for exams a few days ago and, finally, winger Bongonda did not finish one of Spartak Moscow’s training sessions of the week. Sébastien Desabre is waiting to find his troops at the start of next week in order to summon reinforcements.
Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Ngal’ayel Mukau, Noah Sadiki and Cédric Bakambu are there, with the returns of Yoane Wissa and Simon Banza in the offensive sector. Gaël Kakuta is absent. The Congolese will fly to Northern Mexico to acclimatize to the climatic conditions. A friendly match is on the program against Bermuda, six days before the play-off.
