Leopards of DR Congo Face CHAN’s Group of Death: Preparation, Squad, and Key Friendlies
Leopards Set Sights on CHAN Glory Amid Tough Group Draw
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team, affectionately known as the Leopards, are ramping up their preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). With the tournament fast approaching, the Leopards are determined to make a strong impression, especially after being drawn into what many are calling the “Group of Death.”
Intensive Training Camp in Algeria
To sharpen their skills and foster team cohesion, the Leopards have embarked on a crucial training camp in Algeria, scheduled from July 21 to 30. This follows a brief but productive stint in Kinshasa, where the coaching staff focused on tactical drills and fitness. The Algerian phase of their preparations is designed to expose the squad to high-level competition and simulate the pressure they will face in the tournament.
High-Stakes Friendly Against Algeria
The highlight of the Leopards’ North African tour is a much-anticipated friendly match against the Algerian national team. Algeria, known for their disciplined play and technical prowess, will provide a stern test for DR Congo’s home-based stars. Head coach Otis Ngoma has emphasized that this friendly is more than just a warm-up—it is a vital opportunity to assess the squad’s readiness and iron out tactical wrinkles before the CHAN group stage.
Ngoma stated, “Facing Algeria will give us a true sense of where we stand. It’s important for our players to experience this level of competition before the tournament begins.”
Group of Death: DR Congo’s Challenging Path
The Leopards’ journey in CHAN 2024 will be anything but straightforward. Drawn into Group A, DR Congo will face co-hosts Kenya, as well as Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. Each of these teams brings a unique set of challenges, making Group A arguably the toughest in the tournament. The competition is set to kick off on August 2, with matches taking place across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
DR Congo’s pedigree in the competition is well established—they are two-time CHAN champions. However, the strength of their group means that every match will be a battle, and even the smallest mistakes could prove costly.
Squad Selection: Domestic Talent in the Spotlight
Coach Otis Ngoma has called up a 36-man squad, focusing exclusively on players active in the Congolese domestic league. This approach aligns with CHAN’s unique format, which only allows home-based players to participate. The squad features a robust representation from top Congolese clubs such as TP Mazembe, AS Maniema Union, and FC Lupopo.
This selection strategy not only highlights the depth of talent within DR Congo’s domestic league but also offers these players a rare chance to shine on the continental stage. For many, CHAN represents the pinnacle of their footballing careers and a potential springboard to international recognition.
Key Players to Watch
Among the squad, several players are expected to play pivotal roles. TP Mazembe’s midfield maestro and AS Maniema Union’s dynamic forwards are tipped to be central to DR Congo’s attacking ambitions. The defensive line, anchored by experienced FC Lupopo stalwarts, will be tasked with keeping some of Africa’s most dangerous strikers at bay.
Coach Ngoma’s tactical acumen will be tested as he seeks to blend youthful exuberance with seasoned experience, ensuring the Leopards remain competitive throughout the group stage and beyond.
CHAN 2024: Tournament Overview
The 2024 edition of CHAN promises to be one of the most competitive yet, with matches spread across three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to run from August 2, drawing football fans from across the continent and beyond. For DR Congo, the stakes are high—not only are they aiming for a third CHAN title, but they are also eager to reaffirm their status as a powerhouse of African football.
More information about the tournament and fixtures can be found on the official CAF website.
Transfer Rumors: Fiston Mayele’s Future in the Spotlight
While the national team prepares for CHAN, another story capturing the attention of Congolese football fans is the future of striker Fiston Mayele. Currently plying his trade with Egyptian side Pyramids FC, Mayele has become a hot commodity on the transfer market. Reports indicate that South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, as well as two clubs from the Saudi Pro League, are vying for his signature.
Al-Fateh SC is rumored to be leading the race, underscoring the growing trend of African stars moving to the Gulf region. Mayele’s impressive performance in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League, where he netted nine goals for Pyramids FC, has only heightened interest in his services. For more details on Mayele’s transfer saga, visit KingFut.
Looking Ahead: Leopards’ Ambitions and Challenges
As the CHAN tournament draws near, the Leopards of DR Congo are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory. The combination of a rigorous training camp, a high-profile friendly against Algeria, and a squad brimming with domestic talent has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
With the “Group of Death” awaiting, DR Congo’s resilience, tactical discipline, and hunger for success will be put to the ultimate test. Fans across the nation—and the continent—will be watching closely as the Leopards chase another chapter of footballing history.