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CAF
a day ago
- Sport
- CAF
DR Congo to face Algeria in CHAN friendly, Leopards to camp in North Africa
Published: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 As part of their final preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), two-time champions DR Congo will embark on a high-intensity training camp in Algeria, where they are also scheduled to face the host nation in a crucial pre-tournament friendly. Following a short camp in Kinshasa from July 16 to 20, head coach Otis Ngoma and his 36-man home-based squad will travel to Algeria from July 21 to 30 for the decisive phase of their build-up to CHAN 2024, which kicks off on August 2 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The highlight of the Algeria camp will be a marquee friendly match against the Algerian national team, one of Africa's top footballing nations. The match offers the Leopards a perfect dress rehearsal ahead of what promises to be a fiercely competitive group stage campaign. DR Congo are drawn into Group A — widely regarded as the 'Group of Death' — alongside co-hosts Kenya, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. With such formidable opponents awaiting, Ngoma is placing strong emphasis on tactical readiness, fitness, and cohesion during the Algeria camp. 'This camp and the friendly against Algeria are crucial for testing our level,' said a member of the technical team. 'Facing a nation of Algeria's calibre just days before the tournament will give our players the competitive edge they need heading into the group stage.' The Leopards qualified for CHAN 2024 after a commanding performance over Chad (1-1 away, 3-1 home), showcasing their intent to return to the continental summit after missing the previous edition in 2022. Otis Ngoma's squad is a mix of experience and emerging talent, drawn exclusively from the domestic league. Powerhouses like TP Mazembe, AS Maniema Union, FC Lupopo, and AC Rangers have heavily contributed to the 36-man list, reflecting the depth of the Congolese league. With past CHAN titles in 2009 and 2016, DR Congo will look to use their Algeria experience to fine-tune their quest for a record-extending third championship.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
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: Jackson Lunanga Sankiaro (DCMP) Brudel Efonge (AS Maniema Union) 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)
CAF
04-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Senegal, DR Congo open TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024
Senegal face the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening Group A fixture at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. The match will be played in Mohammedia on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 local time / 14:00 GMT). This will be just the second WAFCON meeting between the two nations. Their first encounter came in the group stage of the 2012 finals, where Lucie Nono scored a 74th-minute penalty to give DR Congo a 1-0 win in Malabo. Neither side progressed from the group, with hosts Equatorial Guinea and South Africa reaching the semi-finals. The most recent meetings between Senegal and DR Congo were a pair of friendlies held in Thies in July 2024. Senegal won both matches, 1-0 and 2-0. Clubs from the two countries also clashed at the 2024 CAF Women's Champions League, where eventual champions TP Mazembe of DR Congo defeated Senegalese side Aigles de la Médina 4-0 in their final Group A game in Casablanca on 15 November. This will be DR Congo's sixth match at the WAFCON against West African opposition. Their record from the previous five is one win and four defeats. That lone victory came against Senegal in 2012. DR Congo suffered heavy losses to Nigeria (6-0) and Ghana (4-1) in 1998, and were beaten by Mali (3-2) and Ghana (3-1) in the 2006 group stage. Across those five games, DR Congo have conceded 16 goals and scored five, with their only clean sheet coming in the win over Senegal. Senegal – Key Facts · This is Senegal's third WAFCON finals appearance after debuting in 2012 and returning in 2022. · They lost all three matches in 2012, including to DR Congo, South Africa, and hosts Equatorial Guinea. · In 2022, they reached the quarterfinals, winning their opening two group games (2-0 vs Uganda and 1-0 vs Burkina Faso) before losing to Morocco and exiting on penalties to Zambia after a 1-1 draw. · Senegal failed to score in 2012, but netted four goals and conceded just two in their five games in 2022 (including the World Cup play-off). · They kept three clean sheets in 2022 after none in 2012. · They have won one and lost one of their two opening WAFCON matches: a loss to DR Congo in 2012 and a win over Uganda in 2022. · Ndeye Diakhate scored Senegal's first-ever WAFCON goal in their 2022 opener, converting a 39th-minute penalty. · For the third time in three appearances, Senegal are drawn in a group with the hosts (Equatorial Guinea in 2012, Morocco in 2022 and 2024). · Their biggest WAFCON win to date was the 2-0 victory over Uganda in 2022. · Coach Mame Moussa Cissé is leading the team at a WAFCON finals for the second time, having taken over in 2019. · Senegal qualified for Morocco 2024 by defeating Mozambique 3-2 on aggregate in the first round and Egypt 4-0 on aggregate in the second. Democratic Republic of Congo – Key Facts · This is DR Congo's fourth WAFCON appearance after participating in 1998, 2006, and 2012. · They return to the finals after a 12-year absence. · Their best performance came in 1998 when they finished third. · DR Congo club TP Mazembe won the 2024 CAF Women's Champions League in Morocco, beating hosts AS FAR 1-0 in the final. · DR Congo reached the finals by defeating Benin 4-2 on aggregate and Equatorial Guinea 3-2 on aggregate in qualifying. · Merveille Kanjinga, a CAF Women's Champions League winner with TP Mazembe, scored in three separate qualifying matches. · DR Congo have never lost their opening game at a WAFCON: they beat Egypt 4-1 in 1998, drew 1-1 with Cameroon in 2006, and beat Senegal 1-0 in 2012. · They scored in six consecutive WAFCON matches between 1998 and 2012, including a 3-3 draw with Cameroon in 1998 and all three group games in 2006. · However, they've only won once in their last eight WAFCON matches (D2 L5). · Their biggest win remains the 4-1 victory over Egypt in 1998; their heaviest defeats were 6-0 losses to Nigeria (1998) and Equatorial Guinea (2012). · Across 11 WAFCON matches, DR Congo's games have produced 45 goals (an average of 4.1 per game). Only one of their matches has ended 0-0 (vs Morocco in 1998). · They've failed to score in just three of those 11 matches and kept only two clean sheets — against Morocco (1998) and Senegal (2012).
CAF
09-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
CAF launches exciting TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Webinar series on Monday
Published: Monday, 09 June 2025 The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) will on Monday launch the first of three webinars for media titled the 'TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Stars Spotlight'. The series will give media insights from leading players ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 that will be staged from July 5-26. The first session, to be held at 15:00 GMT, will be for French-speaking media and contains a star-studded line-up of players, along with moderator Katty Toure . The following players will take part: Sofia Guellati (Algeria): A centre-back for the Algeria national team and French side EA Guingamp. Fideline Ngoy (DR Congo): The DR Congo goalkeeper lifted the CAF Women's Champions League title with TP Mazembe in 2024. Agueisha Diarra (Mali): A forward for the Mali national team and Paris St-Germain. Safietou Sagna (Senegal): An attacking midfielder for the Senegal national team and US Saint-Malo. Chaima Abbassi (Tunisia): A defender for the Tunisia national team and NEOM, who she helped to the league title in Saudi Arabia this season. Set to take place over three seperate segments, there will also be webinars in Arabic (16 June) and English (23 June). The series will feature some of the continent's leading footballers alongside influential media voices in a compelling, multilingual format. Some of the other international women's football stars who will take part include reigning CAF Women's Footballer of the year Barbra Banda (Zambia), Doha El Madani (Morocco) and Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa). The sessions are designed to highlight Africa's deep reservoir of talent and celebrate the unique stories of players who are driving the women's game forward across the globe. Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
CAF
02-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Merveille Kanjinga, the Congolese prodigy on a mission in Morocco
Revealed during the last CAF Women's Champions League—won with TP Mazembe—the young striker took off for Paris Saint-Germain, where she continues her rise At 22, she has become a symbol of hope for an entire nation, embodying the rebirth of women's football in the Democratic Republic of Congo Back in Morocco, the land of her continental triumph, she is preparing to compete in her first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to lead DR Congo to the top This is not just a transfer—it's a leap into orbit. Signed by Paris Saint-Germain on the eve of her 22nd birthday, Merveille Kanjinga saw her childhood dream come true. 'It was my dream since I was a little girl. When I heard that Paris Saint-Germain wanted me, I was very, very happy. I could hardly believe my ears,' she says, still emotional at the memory of the announcement. Her arrival in the French capital is like something out of a fairy tale. But it is no accident. Paris noticed her because she shone brightly during the last CAF Women's Champions League—a tournament she dominated with TP Mazembe, culminating in victory in Morocco. This continental title, the first in the Congolese club's history, fast-tracked her career. 'There are so many good memories. We had a great team, very good teammates. It was an unforgettable moment.' A national pride, a continental symbol Her transfer didn't just bring joy to the French club. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the news was celebrated as a collective victory. In just a few months, Kanjinga has become the face of a rapidly evolving women's football scene. 'Yes, I realize what it means. People were very happy when they heard the news. I know they love it, and I do too.' On a continent where opportunities for women players are often scarce, her journey inspires admiration and hope. A child of Lubumbashi, she is now a source of inspiration for thousands of young girls. 'Believe in yourself, no matter where you come from. What matters is what you show on the pitch,' she says, aware of her powerful image. Return to Morocco, where it all began Fate has its winks, and for Kanjinga, it brings her back to Morocco—where everything changed for her, where she won the greatest title of her career. But this time, she returns wearing her national colors to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. DR Congo finds itself in a tough Group A, alongside Zambia, Senegal, and host nation Morocco. 'I know it'll be tough, but we're going to give it everything, fight to the end. It's a game, and the best will win,' she says calmly but firmly. No boastfulness—just an unshakable belief in effort and the team. Though it will be her first WAFCON, Merveille is no longer a rookie. PSG and the Women's Champions League have hardened her. She doesn't shy away from the responsibilities awaiting her in the national squad. 'Yes, I see myself as an experienced player,' she says—a statement that speaks volumes about the maturity of this young striker, aware of her role as a driving force in a team seeking renewal. Legacy and role models When asked about the figures who inspire her within the Congolese squad, she answers quickly: 'Isabelle Diakiese is one of the most professional players I know.' A natural nod to those who came before her and held things together, passing down the culture. Kanjinga hasn't forgotten where she came from. She knows that a solid group, united around proven leaders, can disrupt the established order. This coming July could be a landmark. For her, of course, as she prepares for her first TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON—but also for Congolese women's football, which has been chasing results in the competition since winning bronze in 1998. Through Merveille Kanjinga, an entire nation dares to believe in a revival. And if Morocco was the place of her club breakthrough, it could now become the site of her national team crowning.
