Kick442 Éditorial Team
Sébastien Desabre, coach of the DR Congo has officially released his final 26-man squad for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, set to take place in Morocco. The announcement comes with the “Léopards” riding a wave of immense confidence following their spectacular, history-making performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Riding the Momentum of Continental Shockwaves
The inclusion of the nation’s core stars in the AFCON list is a clear statement of intent. The DR Congo heads to Morocco not just as a participant, but as a major contender, fresh from achieving a remarkable Fourth Place finish in the previous AFCON (2023) in Côte d’Ivoire. Their deeply impressive run was only halted in the semi-finals by the eventual tournament hosts.
However, the bigger story lies in their recent World Cup qualifying journey. The DR Congo has cemented its status as one of Africa’s most formidable knockout teams by becoming CAF’s representative in the 2026 Inter-Continental Playoff. This historic achievement was secured by shockingly eliminating two African giants in succession: they first defeated the five-time African champions Cameroon with a dramatic late goal in the semi-final, before overcoming the three-time winners Nigeria in a nail-biting final decided by a penalty shootout. This run has instilled an unbreakable belief in Desabre’s disciplined and tactically flexible squad.
The Final 26-Man Squad: The Stars and The Challengers
Desabre’s selection for AFCON 2025 is built around a blend of experienced European-based professionals and influential domestic talent. Notably, star striker Yoane Wissa of Newcastle United is a major absentee due to a knee injury, but the squad remains potent with the return of key figures.
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping department features a strong trio, led by: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau (Le Havre), Timothy Fayulu (Noah Armavir), and Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège).
Defenders
The defence is anchored by the inspirational captain and goal-scoring hero Chancel Mbemba (Lille OSC). He is joined by key figures in the European leagues: Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland AFC), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley FC), Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Joris Kayembe (KRC Genk), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian), and Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw).
Midfielders
The midfield provides both steel and creativity, featuring the influential pair of Edo Kayembe (Watford FC) and Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos Athinon). They are complemented by Charles Pickel (Espanyol Barcelona), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland AFC), Ngal’ayel Mukau** (Lille OSC), Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht), and Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Celtic).
Forwards
Despite Wissa’s absence, the attack is led by the clinical goal-scorer Simon Banza (Al-Jazira), who makes a vital return, and the reliable Meschack Elia (Alanyaspor). Experience is provided by veteran Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis), alongside the dynamic options of Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier HSC), Samuel Essende (FC Augsburg), and Fiston Kalala Mayele (Pyramids FC).
A Balanced AFCON Ambition
The DR Congo has been drawn into Group D for the AFCON, where they will face West African heavyweights Senegal, as well as Benin and Botswana. Having recently proven they can overcome the continent’s best in high-pressure knockout scenarios, the Leopards are viewed as strong contenders to top their group. Coach Desabre’s focus on defensive organization and clinical counter-attacking play will be the foundation of their strategy in Morocco. The entire nation looks to Mbemba and his teammates to go one step further than their last AFCON run and finally secure their first continental trophy since 1974.
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