Two-time African Nations Championship (CHAN) winners DR Congo head into the 2024 edition of the tournament with high expectations and a squad brimming with domestic talent, as they aim to reclaim the continental crown they last lifted in 2016. The Leopards, champions in 2009 and 2016, are not only the inaugural winners of CHAN but also the first nation to win the competition twice ; a reflection of the strength and consistency of Congolese local football.

Preparation for this year’s tournament has been intense. After a training camp in DR Congo, the team moved to Tanzania, where they’ve been based at the Ufundi Sports Ground in Makongo, Dar es Salaam since July 26. That camp runs until July 31 before the squad travels to Kenya, the tournament’s host. Originally, the Leopards had planned to hold their second phase of training in Algeria, but that plan was cancelled by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA). While in Tanzania, they are scheduled to face Senegal in a high-profile friendly match on Tuesday, July 29 ; a final test before they kick off their CHAN journey.

Coach Otis Ngoma Kondi has named a strong 25-man squad drawn from top clubs such as TP Mazembe, FC Lupopo, AS Maniema Union, and Les Aigles du Congo. The list includes two exciting teenage prospects ; Tonny Madudu Talasi (AF Anges Verts) and Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu (Les Aigles du Congo) ;both of whom featured in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and now step up to the senior home-based national team. Also earning a notable call-up is experienced goalkeeper Aimé Bakula of Don Bosco, who will be playing in CHAN for the first time in his career.

Here is the official 26-man DR Congo CHAN squad:

Goalkeepers:

Jackson Lunanga Sankiaro (DCMP), Brudel Efonge (AS Maniema Union), Aimé Bakula (Don Bosco)

Defenders:

Dieu Merci Ndongala (TP Mazembe), Lolendo Mansanga (AS Vita Club), Jacques Mwimba Kapanga (AC Rangers), Papy Kokeleya (FC Lupopo), Helton Kayembe (Les Aigles du Congo), Osé Ndomele (AS Maniema Union), Magloire Ntambwe Kalonji (TP Mazembe), Jonathan Mokonzi Kalou (FC Lupopo)

Midfielders:

Mbiyeye Bisamuna (Les Aigles du Congo), Micka Miché (FC Lupopo), Linda Mtange (Les Aigles du Congo), Jean Benoît Tukumbane (FC Tanganyika), Marzouk Diakana (DCMP), Agé Basiala (AS Maniema Union), James Mboma Kinda (AS Maniema Union), Lyse Nyembo Tumba (FC Lupopo), Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb (TP Mazembe), Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu (Les Aigles du Congo), Molia Lihozasia (AC Rangers), Josué Kazerma (FC Lupopo)

Forwards:

Jephte Kitambala (AS Maniema Union), Tonny Madudu Talasi (AF Anges Verts), Horsso Mwaku (FC Lupopo).

Star Watch:

Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb (TP Mazembe) – One of the standout wide attackers in Linafoot, Kabwit was a key contributor to TP Mazembe’s recent 2023–24 Linafoot title-winning campaign, regularly providing goals and assists. His pace, dribbling, and experience in CAF interclub competitions make him one of the squad’s most dangerous threats.

Jackson Lunanga Sankiaro (DCMP) – A highly-rated goalkeeper with consistent performances for DCMP, Lunanga has been among the top shot-stoppers in recent Linafoot seasons. His reflexes and command of the box earned him several clean sheets in the 2023–24 league season.

Lyse Nyembo Tumba (FC Lupopo) – A vital player in FC Lupopo’s attack, Nyembo was among the top assist providers and played a crucial role in helping the club secure a top-three finish in the domestic league. Known for his creativity and quick feet, he’s an asset in wide areas.

Linda Mtange (Les Aigles du Congo) – A technically gifted midfielder, Mtange was a revelation in the 2023–24 season, helping newly promoted Les Aigles du Congo punch above their weight and stay competitive in the top flight. His composure and ability to dictate tempo stood out throughout the campaign.

Dieu Merci Ndongala (TP Mazembe) – A rock in defence, Ndongala was instrumental in Mazembe’s title-winning run, anchoring a backline that conceded the fewest goals in the league. His aerial ability and tactical awareness are key to the team’s defensive structure.

Jephte Kitambala (AS Maniema Union) – One of Maniema Union’s top scorers, Kitambala has proven to be a reliable forward in the Linafoot, contributing with crucial goals that helped the club finish strong in the 2023–24 season. His sharp positioning and instinct inside the box are assets for the national team. He is expected to lead the Leopards’ frontline and has reportedly agreed to join Tanzanian giants Azam FC after the tournament, having already completed his medicals.

Drawn into a challenging Group A, the Leopards will face hosts Kenya, fellow two-time champions Morocco, Angola, and Zambia in what promises to be a tightly contested group. All Group A matches will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, split between Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) and Nyayo National Stadium.

DR Congo’s fixtures are as follows:

3rd August: Kenya vs DR Congo – MISC Kasarani

7th August: Zambia vs DR Congo – Nyayo Stadium

14th August: Angola vs DR Congo – MISC Kasarani

17th August: Morocco vs DR Congo – Nyayo Stadium

With pedigree, preparation, and purpose, the Leopards are poised to make another strong statement on the continental stage.