DR Congo begin hunt for third CHAN crown with strong 36-man squad
Two-time champions DR Congo have laid down a bold statement of intent ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), unveiling a 36-man preliminary squad as they target a historic third continental crown.
Head coach Otis Ngoma has assembled a star-studded home-based squad dominated by top clubs such as TP Mazembe, FC Lupopo, AS Maniema Union, and AC Rangers, as the Leopards seek to relive their past CHAN glories of 2009 and 2016.
With CHAN 2024 set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30, DR Congo have been drawn into a fiercely competitive group.
They are in Group A alongside hosts Kenya, two-time champions Morocco, Angola, and Zambia – in what many have dubbed the "Group of Death."
Ngoma's squad reflects depth and balance across all departments, featuring familiar faces like Oscar Kabwit (TP Mazembe), Faveurdi Bongeli (TP Mazembe), Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu (Les Aigles du Congo), and Jean Benoit Tukumbane (FC Tanganyika).
Rising stars like Tonny Madudu Talasi and Jephté Kitambala add youthful flair and energy to the side.
The squad will commence training in Kinshasa from July 16–20 before heading to Algeria for an intensive camp from July 21–30.
During the North African camp, the Leopards are expected to play high-profile friendlies against Algeria to sharpen their tactics and team chemistry ahead of the tournament kickoff.
The CHAN serves as a platform exclusively for players active in their domestic leagues, and DR Congo’s rich local talent pool positions them as genuine title contenders.
The side qualified for the tournament after defeating Chad in the qualifiers and will be eager to bounce back after missing out on the 2022 edition.
With a mix of experience, skill, and ambition, Otis Ngoma’s men are not just preparing to compete – they are gearing up to conquer.
DR Congo CHAN 2024 Pre-Selected Squad
Goalkeepers:
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Jackson Lunanga Sankiaro (DCMP)
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Brudel Efonge (AS Maniema Union)
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Aimé Bakula (Don Bosco)
Defenders:
4. Dieu Merci Ndongala (TP Mazembe)
5. Jacques Mwimba Kapanga (AC Rangers)
6. Dieu Merci Lupini (AS Maniema Union)
7. Jonathan Mokonzi Kaluo (FC Lupopo)
8. Helton Kayembe (Les Aigles du Congo)
9. Osé Ndombelé (AS Maniema Union)
10. Magloire Mathewe Kalonji (TP Mazembe)
11. Lolendo Mansanga (AS V Club)
12. Papy Kokelya (FC Lupopo)
13. Marcel Mapumba Katompa (Les Aigles du Congo)
14. Mbuyi Kalala Djo (Don Bosco)
15. Ilongo Lisimo (AF Anges Verts)
Midfielders:
16. Joseph Bakasu (AS Maniema Union)
17. Micka Miché (FC Lupopo)
18. Ilume Mbongo (AS Simba)
19. Esdras Makosi (Les Aigles du Congo)
20. Junior Mavungu (FC Lupopo)
21. Linda Mtange (Les Aigles du Congo)
22. Jean Benoit Tukumbane (FC Tanganyika)
23. Mukoko Kisingwa (AC Rangers)
24. Marzouk Diakana (DCMP)
25. Agé Basiala (AS Maniema Union)
Wingers:
26. James Mboma Kinda (AS Maniema Union)
27. Lyse Nyembo Tumba (FC Lupopo)
28. Oscar Kabwit Tshikombi (TP Mazembe)
29. Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu (Les Aigles du Congo)
30. Molia Lihozasia (AC Rangers)
31. Faveurdi Bongeli (TP Mazembe)
32. Josué Kazema (FC Lupopo)
Forwards:
33. Jephté Kitambala (AS Maniema Union)
34. Tonny Madudu Talasi (AF Anges Verts)
35. Horso Mwaku (FC Lupopo)
36. Silva Tshitenge (AC Rangers)