Fiston Mayele, the DR Congo international striker, is among the first Leopards to arrive in Kinshasa to prepare for the double header against Sierra Leone. Two wins would mathematically qualify DR Congo for CAN 2027.
The Leopards’ camp officially got under way in the night of Sunday 8 November in Kinshasa, according to 7sur7. Fiston Mayele was one of the first to join the group, alongside Matthieu Epolo, Ezéchiel Banzuzi and Axel Tuanzebe, according to Opinion Info. An advance guard while the bulk of the squad is awaited.
DR Congo face Sierra Leone twice, on 12 and 17 November, for matchdays 3 and 4 of the CAN 2027 qualifiers. The first training session is scheduled for the evening of Monday 9 November at the Stade des Martyrs, according to 7sur7.
Six points and top spot
The Leopards go into this camp in a strong position. With six points from the first two matchdays, thanks to wins over Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, Sébastien Desabre’s national team top their group, 7sur7 reports.
The stakes of the double header are clear: according to Opinion Info, two wins would mathematically qualify DR Congo for CAN 2027.
Kinshasa then Morocco
The first leg will be played on Thursday 12 November at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The return is scheduled for 17 November in Morocco, as Sierra Leone do not have a CAF-approved stadium, Opinion Info and 7sur7 report.
The squad’s gradual arrival is worth monitoring. Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, Arthur Masuaku, Cédric Bakambu and Timothy Fayulu in particular are expected this Monday or Tuesday at the latest, according to Opinion Info. Desabre’s staff therefore have little time to bring the whole squad together before Thursday’s kick-off.
Mayele, the first building block
By arriving on Sunday evening, the striker set the camp in motion. His presence, along with Epolo, Banzuzi and Tuanzebe, gives the head coach a first core to start the sessions at the Stade des Martyrs.
The schedule is set: DR Congo – Sierra Leone on 12 November in Kinshasa (5pm), then Sierra Leone – DR Congo on 17 November in Morocco (5pm), according to Le Petit Lillois.