DR Congo Squad: Wan-Bissaka, Wissa Named for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre has named a strong squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with Aston Villa defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa among the headline selections.
The Leopards will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign on September 24 when they host Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa before travelling to Harare to face Zimbabwe four days later.
DR Congo have been drawn in Group E alongside Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe, setting up a competitive qualifying campaign.
Desabre has retained a number of the players who featured prominently during DR Congo’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, while also introducing several new European-based options.
Among the additions are Willy Kambwala and Ezechiel Banzuzi, who have been brought into the squad as Desabre looks to strengthen his options following the country’s return to the World Cup stage.
Wissa and Wan-Bissaka lead experienced group
Wissa will be one of the key attacking figures for the Leopards after playing an important role in their World Cup campaign.
The Newcastle forward also made history by scoring DR Congo’s first-ever goal at the FIFA World Cup during the tournament.
Wan-Bissaka, meanwhile, adds Premier League experience to a DR Congo squad that is increasingly packed with players competing at the highest level of European football.
Desabre has selected 29 players for the AFCON qualifiers, with preparations scheduled to begin in Kinshasa on September 21.
The Leopards will face Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa on September 24, before their second Group E fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 28.
DR Congo prepare for busy international window
The September camp will run through the opening stages of the qualifying campaign, with the team expected to move between Kinshasa and Harare during the window.
DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence has raised expectations around the national team, and Desabre will now be looking to carry that momentum into the race for AFCON 2027 qualification.
The Leopards will have another opportunity to assess their wider squad in October, with a separate group of 24 players selected for two friendly matches against Uganda in South Africa on October 2 and October 5.
Those players are expected to join the wider setup in Zimbabwe as the international camp continues from September 28 through October 6.
With a mixture of established European-based stars, emerging talent and players who played a part in the historic World Cup qualification campaign, Desabre has several options as DR Congo begin their pursuit of another major tournament appearance.
The opening two AFCON qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe could prove particularly important in determining the Leopards’ early position in Group E.
