DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has unveiled his 26-player squad for the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, reinforcing his commitment to stability and form as the Leopards prepare for one of the continent’s biggest football stages.
The announcement places DR Congo alongside South Africa—whose coach Hugo Broos released his list earlier—as teams making early moves ahead of the tournament, which begins later this month.
The Leopards squad includes several players who helped the side secure a place in the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
Captain Chancel Mbemba is in the squad along side other key players Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki, Fiston Mayele, Meschak Elia and Cédric Bakambu.
Continuity at the heart of Desabre’s selection
Since taking charge, Desabre has championed a clear approach based on consistency, in-form players and balanced profiles.
His latest squad reflects this philosophy, blending seasoned internationals with dynamic young talents in what he hopes will be a cohesive and competitive unit.
True to this method, the Frenchman has opted to maintain a strong spine from recent qualifying campaigns while adding players whose club performances have pushed them into contention.
His squad, he believes, stays firmly “on course” for a deep run in Morocco.
The Leopards open their Group Stage campaign on 23 December against Benin, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Senegal on 27 December.
They will conclude their first-round fixtures on 30 December against Botswana, a match expected to determine their final group position.
Looking ahead to December 11
CAF will officially release the full team lists for all participating nations on 11 December, confirming the squads that will compete in Morocco.
With DR Congo’s preparations now underway, Desabre and his players turn their focus to fine-tuning strategies, building cohesion and ensuring the Leopards arrive ready for the intensity and pressure of Africa’s premier football showcase.
Full list of players selected for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
- Theo Fayulu (FC Noah, Armenia)
- Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre, France)
- Mathieu Epolo (Standard Liège, Belgium)
Defenders
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, England)
- Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol, Cyprus)
- Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland, England)
- Chancel Mbemba (Lille, France)
- Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England)
- Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland)
- Joris Kayembe (Genk, Belgium)
- Steven Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw, Poland)
Midfielders
- Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England)
- Edo Kayembe (Watford, England)
- Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece)
- Charles Pickel (Espagnyol , Spain)
- Ngal’ayel Mukau (Lille, France)
- Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht, Belgium)
- Théo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow)
- Michelangelo Balikwisha (Celtic, Scotland)
- Nathanaël Mbuku (Montpellier, France)
- Brian Cipenga (Castellón, Spain)
Attackers
- Simon Banza (Al Jazeera, United Arab Emirates)
- Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt)
- Samuel Essende (Augsburg, Germany)
- Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor, Türkiye)
- Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain)
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
