DR Congo name strong squad for TotalEnergies CHAN final qualifier against Chad

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have announced a formidable 24-man squad for their final 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Chad.

Leopards A' coach Otis Ngoma has selected a squad stacked with players from the top clubs in the DRC, including several players playing for their two clubs in the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

Seven representatives from AS Maniema Union and five from TP Mazembe - the two sides playing in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League - were named in the team.

FC St Éloi Lupopo also have five players in the squad. 

Headlining the squad are midfielders Soze Zemanga of TP Mazembe and Joseph Bakasu from AS Maniema Union, while striker Jephté Kitambala will lead the line for the hosts.

Defensively, the Leopards will rely on the experience of TP Mazembe duo Ernest Luzolo Sita and Magloire Tambwe Kalonji, as well as Kaluo Mokonzi Katumbwe and Papy Kokeleya from FC St Éloi Lupopo.

In goal, Brudel Efongé Lyongo of AS Maniema Union is set to stake his claim for the starting spot, alongside Jackson Lunanga Sankiaro of OC Renaissance and Baggio Siadi Ngusia of TP Mazembe.

The squad is rounded out by the inclusion of six reserve players, underlining the depth of talent available to Ngoma as the DR Congo seek to overcome Chad and advance to the CHAN 2024 tournament.

The two-legged tie will see the first match played on December 21 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, before the return leg a week later in Kinshasa.

The Leopards will be looking to assert their dominance over Chad and take a significant step towards securing their place in the 2024 African Nations Championship.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Brudel Efongé Lyongo (AS Maniema Union), Jackson Lunanga Sankiaro (OC Renaissance), Baggio Siadi Ngusia (TP Mazembe)

Defenders: Dieu Merci Lupini (AS Maniema Union), Ernest Luzolo Sita (TP Mazembe), Magloire Tambwe Kalonji (TP Mazembe), Kaluo Mokonzi Katumbwe (FC St Éloi Lupopo), Osé Ndombele (AS Maniema Union), Heltone Kayembe Mujanay (Les Aigles du Congo), Papy Kokeleya (FC St Éloi Lupopo)

Midfielders: Soze Zemanga (TP Mazembe), Joseph Bakasu (AS Maniema Union), Mika Miché (FC St Éloi Lupopo), Agée Basiala (AS Maniema Union), Jacques Nkunku Kumbundu (Blessing FC), Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu (Les Aigles du Congo), Lyse Nyembo Tumba (FC St Éloi Lupopo), Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb (TP Mazembe), Jeancy Mboma Kinda (AS Maniema Union), Jonathan Ikangalombo Kapela (AS V. Club)

Forwards: Tonny Madudu Talasi (Green Angels), Horsö Mwaku Malanga (FC St Éloi Lupopo), Jephté Kitambala (AS Maniema Union), Silva Tshitenge (AC Rangers)