Leopards Launch Training Camp in Rabat for Decisive World Cup 2026 Playoff
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team, the Leopards, will open their training camp this Monday, November 10th, in Rabat, Morocco. The squad is preparing for a high-stakes World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions, scheduled for November 13th.
A Race Against Time for Coach Desabre
With just two days of training, coach Sébastien Desabre faces the challenge of fine-tuning his team’s tactics for this crucial encounter. He has summoned a balanced squad, blending the experience of veterans like Cédric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba with the energy of emerging talents such as Noha Sadiki and Nathanaël Mbuku. The selection is also marked by the inclusion of three new faces: Matthieu Epolo, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Strofykens.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
These playoffs feature four African nations—DR Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon—competing for a single berth in the Intercontinental Tournament, the final hurdle before the 2026 World Cup finals. Only the two finalists from this playoff round will keep their qualification dreams alive.
Leopards Squad for Rabat Camp
Goalkeepers
- Timothy FAYULU
- Lionel MPASI
- Matthieu EPOLO
Defenders
- Aaron WAN-BISSAKA
- Gédon KALULU
- Arthur MASUAKU
- Joris KAYEMBE
- Steven KAPUADI
- Rocky BUSHIRI
- Axel TUANZEBE
- Chancel MBEMBA
Midfielders
- Noha SADIKI
- Edo KAYEMBE
- Samuel MOUTOUSSAMY
- Charles PICKEL
- Ngal’ayel MUKAU
- Mario STROFYKENS
- Théo BONGONDA
- Michel-Ange BALIKWISHA
- Nathanaël MBUKU
Forwards
- Brillant CIPENCA
- Mechack ELIA
- Fiston Kalala MAYELE
- Samuel ESSENDE
- Cédric BAKAMBU
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