Beşiktaş’s defender Arthur Masuaku and Galatasaray’s forward Cedric Bakambu were included in the African Nations Cup squad of the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team. According to the statement made by the country’s federation, the coach of the national team, Sebastien Desabre, announced the squad of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the 34th African Cup of Nations.
The matches in the cup, which will start on January 13, hosted by Ivory Coast, will be played in 6 stadiums in 5 cities. The organization will end on February 11.
The group winners and runners-up and the 4 best third teams in 6 groups will qualify for the round of 16.
The 34th African Cup of Nations, which was planned to be played last June-July, was postponed to January 11, 2024 due to adverse weather conditions in the host country, Ivory Coast.
Teams in many countries, including Turkey, where African football players play, will not be able to benefit from their players until their national teams are eliminated from the cup due to the organization being postponed to winter.
Democratic Republic of Congo will play a friendly match against Angola in Dubai on Saturday, January 6, and Burkina Faso in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, January 10.
The national football team’s departure to Ivory Coast is set for Friday, January 12, 2024.
Democratic Republic of Congo will compete with Morocco, Zambia and Tanzania in Group F.
The team, in which Masuaku and Bakambu will also play, will face Zambia on January 17, Morocco on January 21 and finally Tanzania on January 24.
THE 24 PLAYERS IN THE SQUAD ARE:
Goalkeeper: Lionel Mpasi (Rodez/France), Dimitry Bertaud (Montpellier/France), Baggio Siadi (Mazembe/Democratic Republic of Congo)
Defense: Brian Bayeye (Ascoli/Italy), Gedeon Kalulu (Lorient/France), Joris Kayembe (Genk/Belgium), Arthur Masuaku (Beşiktaş/Turkey), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernians/Scotland), Dylan Batubinsika (Saint Etienne/France), Chancel Mbemba (Olympic Marseille/France), Henock Inonga (Simba/Tanzania)
Midfield: Edo Kayembe (Watford/England), Charles Pickel (Cremonese/Italy), Samy Moutoussamy (Nantes/France), Aaron Tshibola (Hatta/UAE), Silas Katompa (Stuttgart/Germany), Meschack Elia (Young Boys/Switzerland), The Bonganda (Spartak Moscow/Russia), Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion/England), Gael Kakuta (Amiens/France)
Striker: Yoane Wissa (Brentford/England), Simon Banza (Sporting Braga/Portugal), Cedric Bakambu (Galatasaray/Turkey), Son Mayele (Pyamids/Egypt)