Kinshasa, November 8th, 2026 (CPA).– Twenty-six (26) U23 Leopards of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been selected for the double-header against Nigeria, counting towards the second round of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Egypt, according to the website of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFA). According to the source, the DRC U23 Leopards will face their Nigerian counterparts on 13 and 17 November 2026 in a two-legged tie counting towards the second round of the qualifiers for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON U23, Egypt 2027). The first leg is scheduled for 13 November at 3:00 p.m. at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, under the supervision of a Ugandan refereeing team led by central referee Duula Joshua. The return leg will be played on 17 November at 4:00 p.m. in Ikenne, Nigeria.
For this crucial encounter, the head coach of the U23 Leopards, Guy Bukasa, will have to do without three injured players: Faveurdi Bongeli, Messy Manitu and Yohan Mboko, all of whom have been ruled out of the two-legged tie. In the first round, the Congolese secured qualification against Mauritania. After losing the first leg 1-0 in Nouakchott, they turned the tables in the return leg in Lubumbashi, winning 2-0.
Below is the list of selected players: Goalkeepers: Ryan Tutu (SM Caen), Joshua Mpenza (RFC Liège), Yohann Bopaka (Stade Rennais FC). Defenders: Carel Twite (FC Lupopo), Steve Binene (AS Maniema Union), Filozofe Mabeté (Forest Green Rovers), Daniel Tshilanda (Union Saint-Gilloise), Ethan Kena Kabeya (Clermont Foot), Manoël Verhaegen (LASK), Gloire Kalume (TP Mazembe), Heradi Majaliwa (FC Lupopo), Nobien Keta (AS Simba), Banks Mbungu (CS Don Bosco).
Midfielders: Josué Kimboma (SM Caen), Jules Ahoka (Sunderland AFC), Honoré Bayanginisa (FC Sochaux), Noah Makanza (Umm Salal SC), Barclet Bakadi (AS Maniema Union), Kevin Makoko (AS Vita Club).
Forwards: Oscar Kabwit (FC Lucerne), JB Tukumbangue (Jwaya FC), Ibrahim Matobo (Les Aigles du Congo), Tonny Talasi (Les Aigles du Congo), Candidat Mapendo (AS Vita Club), Samuel Ntanda (UD Leiria), Jordi Kuange (Leça FC). CPA/