Desabre recalls Bakambu as DR Congo make changes for Sierra Leone qualifiers

Sebastien Desabre has recalled Cedric Bakambu to a 26-man DR Congo squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Sierra Leone on 12 and 17 November.

The selection contains few major departures from the squad used in October, but includes a number of notable changes. Several players have returned, while others who featured in recent friendlies have been left out.

Bakambu’s return is the most prominent development. The 35-year-old has been absent from the Leopards since the World Cup 2026, but has earned another opportunity after making a positive start to life in Major League Soccer with San Diego FC.

He has scored five goals in eight appearances for the club and is now within one goal of the DR Congo scoring record. Bakambu has 21 international goals, with Dieumerci Mbokani currently leading the way on 22.

A number of recently integrated dual nationals have also retained their places after making their international debuts in a friendly last month. Kevin Pedro, Jordy Makengo, Ezechiel Banzuzi and Willy Kambwala are all included again.

Noah Mbamba has been selected for the first time. The midfielder, who is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen to Lorient, missed the previous international gathering because of injury. He has since made an encouraging start to the season and has regained match rhythm since October.

The decision to omit Samuel Essende is the biggest surprise in the squad. The forward has scored 14 goals in 12 league matches for Young Boys, making him the leading scorer in the Swiss Super League.

Essende was brought back into the international set-up for October’s friendlies against Uganda after missing the World Cup 2026. However, his club form has not been enough to secure another call-up, with Desabre apparently unconvinced by his previous performances.

Theo Bongonda, an established member of the team, has also been dropped after a disappointing showing last month. The Al-Faisaly player is among the notable absentees.

Stephy Mavididi remains unavailable for administrative reasons. The Watford winger is still waiting for his documentation to be completed by FIFA.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will miss the double-header because of injury.

Despite the changes, Desabre has kept the core of the squad that represented the Leopards at the World Cup 2026. Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy and Yoane Wissa are among those retained.

DR Congo have won their opening two qualifying matches. Two victories against Sierra Leone would put the Leopards in a strong position in the race to reach the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.