DR Congo’s men’s football team head coach Florent Ibenge on Tuesday named a 32-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Belgium-based forward Dieumerci Ndongala was a notable omission from the squad that includes West Ham youngster Arthur Masuaku.
FC Chiasso shot-stopper Anthony Mossi Ngawu has kept his place in the squad as the third-choice goalkeeper, as cover for Auguy Katembwe Kalambay and Ley Matampi Mvumi.
The 32nd edition of the first-ever 24-man team tournament will take place in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.
DR Congo have been drawn in Group A where they will face Uganda, Zimbabwe and defending champions, Egypt.
The Leopards get their tournament started against Uganda on Monday, June 24 in Cairo before playing at the same venue on Wednesday, June 26 against hosts Egypt.
They then round off the group stage with a match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, June 30.
Meanwhile, Ibenge has until Sunday, June 9 to submit the final 23-man squad.
DR Congo squad:
Goalkeepers: Auguy Katembwe Kalambay (SM Sanga Balende), Ley Matampi Mvumi (Al-Ansar, Saudi Arabia), Anthony Mossi Ngawu (FC Chiasso, Switzerland),Parfiat Mandanda (FC Dinamo,Romania)
Defenders: Issama Mpeko Djos (TP Mazembe), Djuma Shabani Wadol, Glody Ngonda Mujinga, Padou Bompunga Botuli (all AS Vita Club), Arthur Masuaku (West Ham, England), Bobo Ungenda Muselenge (Primeiro de Agusto, Angola), Christian Luyindama Nekadio (Galatasaray, Turkey), Merveille Bope Bokadi (Standard Liege, Belgium), Marcel Tisserand (Wolfsburg, Germany)
Midfielders: Jacques Maghoma (Birmingham City, England), Chancel Mbemba (FC Porto, Portugal), Paul-José Mpoku Ebunge (Standard Liege, Belgium), Tresor Mabi Mputu (TP Mazembe), Fabrice Luamba Ngoma, Nelson Omba Munganga (both AS Vita Club), Youssouf Mulumbu (Kilmarnock, Scotland), Aaron Tsimbola (Kilmanork, Scotland), Giannella Imbula ( Rayo Volcano,Spain)
Forwards: Cedric Bakambu (Beijing Guoan, China), Yannick Bolasie (Anderlecht, Belgium), Jonathan Bolingi (Royal Antwerp, Belgium), Elia Lina Meschack (TP Mazembe) Dieumerci Ndongala (Genk, Belgium), Kabongo Kasongo ( Wedha Club,Saudi Arabia) Chadrak Akolo (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Britt Assombalanga, (Middesbrough, England)
