Kinshasa, March 26th, 2026 (CPA).– The head coach of the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sébastien Desabre, fielded a second-string side against Bermuda in a friendly match on Wednesday at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, maintaining suspense over his tactical approach ahead of the intercontinental playoff winner between Jamaica and New Caledonia. For this friendly encounter, Sébastien Desabre trusted Lionel Mpasi Nzau in goal, apparently as part of preparations ahead of a major fixture. In defense, he opted for a relatively unfamiliar backline that had not previously played together, composed of Brian Bayeye and Arthur Masuaku on the right and left flanks respectively, and Alex Tuanzebe alongside Stève Kapuadi in central defense. Regular starters in these positions, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba, remained on the bench. In midfield, Edo Kayembe, Charles Pickel and Grady Diangana were preferred to Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki and Ngal’ayel Mukau. Up front, Yoane Wissa, returning from injury, started alongside Fiston Mayele and Meschack Elia.
Everyone must be ready
Mechanically, Sébastien Desabre gave playing time to players who had not featured regularly at their respective clubs, either due to injury—as in the case of Meschack Elia—or for tactical reasons, as with Yoane Wissa, who has often remained on the bench in key matches for his club, Newcastle. Overall, the team performed well, allowing the Leopards to open the scoring through Fiston Mayele Kalala in the 45th minute, just before halftime, following an assist from Grady Diangana, who had not scored for the national team in nearly a year.
Wissa marks his return with a goal
After leaving the squad last September following a goal against Senegal at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa before suffering an injury, Yoane Wissa returned to the national team six months later and found the net again against Bermuda during this FIFA international break. This strong comeback sends a clear signal to either Jamaica or New Caledonia ahead of the decisive match scheduled for March 31st. On that date, the Leopards will play a crucial match not only for their careers but also for the future of a nation eager to see the DRC qualify for the FIFA World Cup more than 50 years later. The French coach, who has drawn lessons from this friendly, still has at least five full days to make final adjustments before what is being described as a historic encounter.