The national football team of the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has started its training camp for their next match against the Panthers of Gabon, counting for the 5th day of the qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations ( CAN) which will be held in Ivory Coast in 2023. The team took up residence in Douala in Cameroon and held its first training session with almost all of its players.
The composition of the team for this meeting has been revealed by the French national coach Sébastien Desabre, who has chosen 27 players for the occasion. This selection is made up of most of the players present on the previous day of the qualifiers, but also newcomers such as goalkeeper Esdras Kabamba, defenders Dylan Batubinsika and Rocky Bushiri, midfielder Omenuke Mfulu, already called up under the Christian Nsengi Biembe era, and striker Jonathan Bolingi.
In addition to their preparation, the Leopards have planned to play a friendly game against the Uganda Skulls on Wednesday June 14th.
Apart from this sporting event, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen several developments in recent days, such as demonstrations against judicial harassment and for justice, a persistent security situation in the province of Kongo Central, the launch of a agricultural program in partnership with Dem and Bio-Agro Business, or the issuance of national identity cards.
Notwithstanding this progress, fears persist in the country regarding the political and security situation. Armed men recently illegally occupied the residence of Moïse Katumbi, and authorities say more than 100 people have been abducted in the past month.
In short, the Democratic Republic of Congo is engaged in a period of transition which raises as many challenges as opportunities, but political stability and economic development remain priorities for the authorities and the Congolese population.