Midfielder Tresor Mputu Mabi has been left out of the DR Congo squad for next month’s Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.
The TP Mazembe player, who led the Leopards to victory at the maiden edition of the tournament designed exclusively for local-based footballers in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire, was the notable absentee in the 23-man squad named by head coach Santos Mutumbile last Saturday (December 28).
The 28-year old, linked with a move to Angolan big spenders, Kabuscorp was among five players axed for the trip to South Africa following a two-week training camp.
Veteran goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba and defender Joel Kimwaki are the only players in the Congolese squad to have played at the last two editions of the tournament, 2009 and 2011 in Cote d’Ivoire and Sudan.
Kinshasa-based AS Vita Club is the most represented with seven players whilst archrivals Mazembe have six players in the final squad.
The Leopards are housed in Group D alongside Burundi, Gabon and Mauritania for the championship scheduled from 11 January to 1 February, 2014.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Hervé Lomboto (Vita Club), Freddy Kaninda Tshini (Dragons)
Defenders: Eric Nkulukuta, Jean Kasusula, Hervé Ndonga, Joel Kimwaki (TP Mazembe ), Ebunga Simbi, Thierry Kasereka (Vita Club), Bodrick Ungenda, Bangala Litombo (Motema Pembe)
Midfielders: Patrick Ilongo (TP Mazembe), Lema Mabidi, Guy Lusadisu, Héritier Luvumbu, Mubele Ndombe (Vita Club), Mbidi Mavuanga, Mukoko Mayayi (Motema Pembe)
Forwards: Ngoyi Emomo (Shark XI), Makusu Mundele (New Bel’or), Mavuba Nlandu (Dragons), Reagan Mpembele, Eric Kabulu (Don Bosco)
Confederation of African Football News
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