Shock Congolese call-up for Maboulou

Congo coach Claude Le Roy has handed a surprise call-up to France-born defender Christopher Maboulou in his 26-man squad for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea.

The Bastia defender finally rescinded his decision to play for France by accepting an invitation from Le Roy, earning him a place in the new squad despite being overlooked in the provisional 38-man squad.

The 24-year old made the squad alongside Belgium-based defensive duo, Scott Bistindou of Anderlecht and Jordan Massengo of Mons.

The Red Devils are expected to begin preparations on 2 January 2015 in Brazzaville according to the programme drawn-up by their veteran French trainer. Eight days later, they will travel to Senegal for a friendly against Cape Verde before returning to Brazzaville on 13 January 2015 to wrap up for the tournament.

Three players will be axed from the final squad for the 17 January to 8 February 2015 championship.

The Congolese, making a return to the flagship African football event for the first time since 2000 are housed in Group A with hosts Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Burkina Faso.

They will face the host nation in the opening match of the tournament on 17 January 2015 at the Estadio de Bata in Bata.

Full squad