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West Ham United's Wan-Bissaka in DR Congo squad for World Cup qualification play-offs

Bakambu and Wan-Bissaka tops DR Congo call-up for World Cup qualification play-offs
Bakambu and Wan-Bissaka tops DR Congo call-up for World Cup qualification play-offsMark Fletcher, MI News & Sport / Alamy / Profimedia

Democratic Republic of Congo have named a strong 25-man squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs in Morocco.

West Ham United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Sunderland’s Arthur Masuaku and Real Betis star Cedric Bakambu headline the Leopards’ squad, with coach Sebastien Desabre also naming three Belgium U21 internationals.

Also making the shortlist are attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Standard Liege goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo.

Meanwhile, Brian Cipenga retains his place after making his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Sudan on October 14th, having joined the squad as a late injury replacement during the final group-stage qualifiers.

All players involved in the October victories over Togo and Sudan return for the play-offs. 

Unfortunately, the country will be without inspirational star Yoane Wissa, who remains sidelined with a posterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against Senegal in September. Also unavailable are Dimitri Bertaud, Dylan Batubinsika, Grady Diangana, Jackson Muleka and Afimico Pululu.

After finishing just two points behind Senegal in Group B, DR Congo fell short of automatic qualification. They now have another opportunity to reach their first-ever World Cup when they compete in Rabat.

They face Cameroon on November 13th at the El Barid Stadium in the semi-final of a four-team play-off. The winner will meet either Gabon or Nigeria in the final, four days later.

DR Congo full squad

Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege, Belgium), Timothy Fayulu (Noah, Armenia), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre, France)

Defenders: Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Gédéon Kalulu (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw, Poland), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk, Belgium), Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland, England), Chancel Mbemba (Olympique de Marseille, France), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United, England)

Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Glasgow Celtic, Scotland), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier, France), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece), Ngal'ayel Mukau (Lille, France), Charles Pickel (Espanyol, Spain), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England), Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain), Samuel Essende (Augsburg, Germany), Brian Cipenga (Castellón, Spain), Meshack Elia (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt).

Shina Oludare
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