DR Congo has named a provisional 28-man squad for next year’s Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) with local champions, TP Mazembe the dominant force.
The four-time African champions have eight players in the team named by head coach Santos Mutumbile to commence preparations for the 11 January to 1 February tournament in South Africa.
Rivals AS Vita Club have seven players, Motema Pembe with five, three from Dragons, Don Bosco and Sanga Balende have two players each and Shark XI having one player.
Notably in the team are goalie Rober Kidiaba, defender Joel Kimwaki and Tresor Mputu Mabi, all members of the Leopards team that emerged victorious at the maiden CHAN tournament in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire.
According to the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), the squad will hold a training camp in Kinshasa from 13-26 December, before five players will be dropped ahead of their departure for Polokwane.
The Leopards are housed in Group D with Burundi, Gabon and Mauritania.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Hervé Lomboto (Vita Club), Joseph Kubidisa (Sanga Balende)
Defenders: Eric Nkulukuta, Jean Kasusula, Hervé Ndonga, Joel Kimwaki (TP Mazembe ), Ebunga Simbi, Thierry Kasereka (Vita Club), Bobo Ungenda, Manitu Matondo ” Sododo” Bangala Litombo (Motema Pembe)
Midfielders: Patrick Ilongo (TP Mazembe ), Lema Mabidi, Guy Lusadisu, Héritier Luvumbu, Mubele ((Vita Club), Mbidi Mavuanga, Mukoko Mayayi (Motema Pembe), Platini Mukuna (Sanga Balende), Kanjinda ( Dragons)
Forwards: Eric Bokanga, Tresor Mputu Mabi (TP Mazembe), Ngoyi Emomo (Shark XI), Monzele Audrey, Mavuba Nlandu ( Dragons ), Reagan Mpembele, Eric Kabulu (Don Bosco)
Confederation of African Football News
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