Ahead of the final matchday of the qualifiers for the continental showpiece, the DR Congo national team has been boosted by the arrivals of a key number of players in camp ahead of the weekend’s encounter.
Thirteen (13) players out of the 27-member squad named by Leopards head coach Sebastien Desabre have arrived in the country ahead of this weekend’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan to be played at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa.
Captain of the side and Olympique Marseille defence kingpin Chancel Mbemba was among the first contingent of players to arrive as well as Silas Katompa, Samuel Moutoussamy, Willam Balikwisha, Siadi Baggio and Arthur Masuaku.
The first batch of players to arrive in Kinshasa were received by head coach Sebastien Desabre and his technical staff at the Hilton Hotel where the team is currently camped.
Seven more players joined camp on Monday afternoon with Amiens SC attacker Gaël Kakuta leading the pack that also included Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Lionel Mpasi, Vital N’simba, Edo Kayembe, Dylan Batubinsika and Yoane Wissa.
The team held its first training session at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium this afternoon at 5pm before having a gym session in the evening.
A full house is expected on tomorrow with many of the rest of the players yet to arrive to touch base by Monday evening and will be part of the training session to be held on Tuesday afternoon.
The Leopards who sit top of Group I with 9 points need only to avoid defeat against Sudan at home this weekend to confirm their place at the AFCON to be held in the Ivory Coast next year in January.
