DR Congo (Group B)
Slipped into the finals as the best third-place finisher in qualifying. Behind Cameroon and Ivory Coast in a tough Group D, they did manage a thrilling 4-3 away win in Abidjan over the Ivorians in October. The country has been through a boon at club level, with two semi-finalists in the 2014 CAF Champions League, but remain inconsistent at national level. One of Africa’s biggest countries with vast resources and massive human potential, it remains mired in conflict and corruption, with the inevitable impact on the national team.
COACH
Jean Florent Ibenge Ikwenge was appointed in August 2014, just three weeks before the start of qualifying. The 52-year-old had previously been the assistant to Claude Le Roy, but his role with the national side was overshadowed by his work with Kinshasa side AS Vita Cub, who he steered to the African Champions League Final in November. Ibenge is Congolese born but grew up in France and played in Belgium, France and Germany.
KEY PLAYERS
Captain Youssouf Mulumbu (above) now has Premier League company in the form of Yannick Bolasie. It means the decision of Dieumerci Mbokani to no longer play for the team has not had as big a negative impact as expected. The English-based pair will be the key performers, along with centre-back Chancel Mbemba who is in outstanding form this season in Belgium with Anderlecht.
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-4-2):
Robert Kidiaba - Issama Mpeko, Cedric Mongongu, Chancel Mbemba, Jean Kasusula - Cedric Mabwati, Youssouf Mulumbu, Distel Zola, Yannick Bolasie - Neeskens Kebano, Jeremy Bokila.
COACH
Jean Florent Ibenge Ikwenge was appointed in August 2014, just three weeks before the start of qualifying. The 52-year-old had previously been the assistant to Claude Le Roy, but his role with the national side was overshadowed by his work with Kinshasa side AS Vita Cub, who he steered to the African Champions League Final in November. Ibenge is Congolese born but grew up in France and played in Belgium, France and Germany.
KEY PLAYERS
Captain Youssouf Mulumbu (above) now has Premier League company in the form of Yannick Bolasie. It means the decision of Dieumerci Mbokani to no longer play for the team has not had as big a negative impact as expected. The English-based pair will be the key performers, along with centre-back Chancel Mbemba who is in outstanding form this season in Belgium with Anderlecht.
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-4-2):
Robert Kidiaba - Issama Mpeko, Cedric Mongongu, Chancel Mbemba, Jean Kasusula - Cedric Mabwati, Youssouf Mulumbu, Distel Zola, Yannick Bolasie - Neeskens Kebano, Jeremy Bokila.
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