DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has announced his 26-man squad for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, reinforcing his emphasis on continuity and current form as the Leopards prepare for the continental showpiece.
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The announcement places DR Congo among the early nations, alongside South Africa, to confirm their AFCON squads ahead of the tournament kicking off later this month.
The squad features several key players who contributed to the Leopards’ successful run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff round. Captain Chancel Mbemba headlines the list, joined by notable names including Axel Tuanzebe, Noah Sadiki, Fiston Mayele, Meschak Elia and Cédric Bakambu.
Desabre Stays Loyal to His Philosophy
Since assuming the helm, Desabre has built his team around stability, balance and in-form performers.
His Morocco 2025 selection reflects this approach, blending experienced internationals with emerging talents to create what he hopes will be a strong, cohesive squad.
The Frenchman has retained the core of the team from recent qualifying campaigns while adding players whose club form hy s merited inclusion. He insists the Leopards remain “on course” for a strong showing in Morocco.
DR Congo will open their Group Stage campaign on 23 December against Benin before facing Senegal in a highly anticipated clash on 27 December.
They will conclude their group fixtures on 30 December against Botswana, a match that could determine their progression.
CAF is expected to publish the official squad lists of all participating teams on 11 December, confirming the final selections for the Morocco 2025 tournament. As preparations intensify, Desabre and his squad will continue fine-tuning tactics and building cohesion ahead of Africa’s biggest football event.
DR Congo Squad 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 (Espanyol, 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, UAE)
Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt)
Samuel Essende (Augsburg, Germany)
Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor, Türkiye)
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain)
