AFCON Team Guide for the DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo enter the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco looking to make a statement to the rest of the continent.
Under the tactical stewardship of the Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have moved away from the inconsistency of previous years, building a squad defined by structural discipline and high-intensity pressing. This transformation was most evident during their flawless qualifying campaign and their recent success in reaching the 2026 World Cup playoff round at the expense of heavyweights like Nigeria.
Players to watch for the Congo
The current squad is a balanced blend of elite European experience and rising continental stars. The defensive unit is anchored by the captain, Chancel Mbemba, whose leadership at Lille has translated into a commanding presence for the national team. He is joined by West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who adds a world-class defensive dimension to the right flank, and Axel Tuanzebe, who provides versatility across the backline.
In the midfield, the emergence of Noah Sadiki has been a revelation; the young Sunderland star has earned the nickname “Mini Kante” for his relentless work rate and ability to dictate the tempo of matches. While the team will feel the absence of the injured Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, the attacking burden is shared by the prolific Fiston Mayele, the veteran Cédric Bakambu, and the lightning-fast Meschak Elia, ensuring that the Leopards remain a threat on the counter-attack.
Historically, DR Congo holds a prestigious place in AFCON lore as a two-time champions. Their journey began in 1965 as Congo-Kinshasa, but they reached the pinnacle of African football just three years later. In 1968, they claimed their first title in Ethiopia by defeating Ghana in the final. This glory was repeated in 1974 when the nation, then known as Zaire, triumphed in Egypt. That tournament remains etched in history because of Ndaye Mulamba, who scored a record nine goals in a single edition—a milestone that has never been broken. Zaire also made history that same year as the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
Although the late 20th century saw a period of decline and political instability affecting the sport, the Leopards maintained a reputation for producing elite talent, securing third-place finishes in both 1998 and 2015.
As they head into the 2025 tournament, the Leopards face a challenging path in Group D. They will open their campaign against Benin on December 23rd at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat, a match that will set the tone for their group stage. This will be followed by a heavyweight showdown against Senegal on December 27th in Tangier, a fixture many view as a preview of a potential deep knockout run. They conclude their group fixtures against Botswana on December 30th back in Rabat. Given their recent tactical evolution and the defensive solidity instilled by Desabre, DR Congo is widely regarded as the most dangerous “dark horse” in the competition, capable of reclaiming the continental throne for the first time in over fifty years.
