Ibenge keeps faith with CHAN stars

DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge has kept faith with the core of his winning team at the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN) rewarding them with places in the senior national team.

Ibenge has named nine members of the squad in his 27-man squad for the AFCON 2017 Group B double-header against Angola next week.

Leading the pack is petit striker Meschak Elia, who scored twice in the 3-0 win over Mali in the final and was also adjudged the Most Valuable Player and top scorer of the tournament held in Rwanda.

Elia is joined by his three TP Mazembe teammates including captain Joel Kimwaki, midfielder Merveille Bope and strike-partner Jonathan Bolingi.

Also in the squad is goalkeeper Ley Matampi of DC Motema Pembe and AS Vita trio, Padou Bompunga, Joyce Lomalisa and Nelson Munganga. Defender Junior Baometu of St. Eloi Lupopo completes the CHAN nonet.

Motema Pembe midfielder Yannick Bangala Litombo and goalkeeper Bulayima of St. Eloi Lupopo are the only local-based players who were no part of the CHAN squad.

Former Arsenal forward, Benik Afobe has also been called after choosing the Leopards over England.

The foreign-based legion includes England premier league quartet, winger Yannick Bolasie of Crystal Palace, Youssuf Mulumbu and Dieumerci Mbokani, both of Norwich City, Chancel Mbemba of Newcastle United.

The Leopards will host neighbours Angola on Saturday, 26 March 2016 in Kinshasa before traveling to Luanda for the return encounter.

DR Congo has three points same as Central African Republic from two games, a point shy of leaders Angola. Madagascar sits at the bottom with two points.

Full Squad