Leopards Gear Up for World Cup Play-Off Showdown with Cameroon

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has unveiled the 25-man squad tasked with overcoming rivals Cameroon in a pivotal 2026 World Cup CAF Play-Off semi-final next month. Coach Sébastien Desabre’s “Leopards” are ready for an uncompromising battle to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

The Obstacle: Cameroon and the Path Ahead

The highly anticipated match, which is essentially a semi-final in the African Play-Off Tournament, is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at El Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The kick-off is set for 7 PM GMT.

This crucial tournament in Morocco, featuring DR Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon, will determine which one of the four nations will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs for a chance to secure Africa’s final spot at the World Cup.

The Senegal Hurdle: Why the Leopards are in the Play-Offs

The Leopards were denied direct qualification to the World Cup largely due to Senegal. DR Congo finished as runners-up in Group B of the initial qualification phase, with the “Lions of Teranga” (Senegal) topping the group to secure the automatic ticket. Despite an impressive record, the two defeats and one draw against the eventual group winners, Senegal, proved costly for the Leopards, forcing them into this precarious play-off route.

Desabre’s Chosen 25: A Blend of Experience and Talent

Coach Desabre has selected a strong squad, featuring players from top leagues across Europe and the Middle East, highlighting the depth of Congolese talent.

Goalkeepers
T. Fayulu – FC Noah / Armenia
L. Mpasi – Le Havre / France
M. Epolo – Standard Liège / Belgium

Defenders
A. Wan-Bissaka – West Ham United / England
G. Kalulu – Aris Limassol / Cyprus
A. Masuaku – Sunderland / Angleterre
J. Kayembe – Genk / Belgium
S. Kapuadi – Legia Varszawa / Poland
R. Bushiri – Hibernian / Scotland
A. Tuanzebe – Burnley / England
C. Mbemba – Lille / France

Midfielders
N. Sadiki – Sunderland / Germany
E. Kayembe – Watford / England
S. Moutoussamy – Atromitos / Greece
C. Pickel – Espanyol Barcelone / Spain
N. Mukau – Lille / France
M. Stroeykens – Anderlecht / Belgium
T. Bongonda – Spartak Moskva / Russia
M. Balikwisha – Celtic / Scotland
N. Mbuku – Montpellier / France

Forwards
B. Cipenga – Castellon / Spain
M. Elia – Alanyaspor / Turkey
F. Mayele – Pyramids / Égypt
S. Essende – Augsburg / Germany
C. Bakambu – Real Betis / Spain

Trainer :
Sébastien Desabre

The winner of this tense encounter will face the victor of the other semi-final between Nigeria and Gabon for a place in the Inter-Continental Play-Offs. The road is tough, but the prize is priceless.