Desabre turns back to Inonga Baka as DR Congo lose two players

DR Congo have made two further changes to their squad before travelling to Zimbabwe for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) confirmed on Friday that Dylan Batubinsika had withdrawn because of injury, with Henock Inonga Baka called up as his replacement. Paris Maghoma will also miss the gathering in Zimbabwe because of a health problem.

The changes come a day after the Leopards’ victory over Equatorial Guinea and before their departure for Zimbabwe. They leave head coach Sebastien Desabre having to revise his plans again ahead of the next stage of the team’s campaign.

Batubinsika, who plays for Steaua Bucharest, is unable to take part after sustaining an injury. Inonga Baka, now with Erbil SC in Iraq, has been brought back into the international set-up.

The defender’s return marks a recall for a player who was an important member of Desabre’s squad at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Inonga Baka formed part of DR Congo’s central defensive partnership alongside Chancel Mbemba during the tournament.

He subsequently slipped down the pecking order and became less involved with the national side. His selection for the Zimbabwe trip therefore represents a return after a period away from the Leopards.

Fecofa also confirmed that Maghoma would not join the squad because of a health issue. Unlike Batubinsika, the Norwich City midfielder has not been replaced.

The federation did not provide further details about the problems affecting either player. It wished both of them “a speedy recovery”.

Desabre must now make fresh adjustments before the team leaves for Zimbabwe. While Maghoma’s absence reduces his midfield options, Inonga Baka offers the manager an experienced defensive alternative at the beginning of another continental qualifying campaign.

The defender is already familiar with the squad and Desabre’s methods, having previously played a significant role under the coach.