Bakambu, Afobe, Bolasie headline DR Congo’s 32-man squad for Nigeria friendly

DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge has invited 32 players for their international friendly against Nigeria on May 28.

The central African nation and the Super Eagles will lock horns at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as the latter continue preparation for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.

Beijin Guoan attacker Cedric Bakambu alongside Everton’s Yannick Bolasie and Zamalek’s Kabongo Kasongo lead the Leopards’ star-studded frontline.

Also included in the squad are the four players [Arthur Masuaku, Paul-Jose M'Poku, Jordan Ikoko and Gael Kakuta] who pulled out from the country’s training camp during the last international break while France-born Tanguy Ndombele has been handed his debut call-up to represent his father's land following his fine display for Lyon this campaign.

Full squad

Goalkeepers

Joel Kiassumbua (Luzern), Nicaise Kudimbana (Royale Union Saint Gilloise), Parfait Mandanda (Charleroi).

Defenders

Issama Mpeko (AS Vita Club), Jordan Ikoko (EA Guingamp), Arthur Masuaku (West Ham United), Fabrice Nsakala (Alanyaspor), Glody Ngonda (AS Vita Club), Wilfred Moke (Konyaspor), Christian Luyindama (Standard Liege), Chris Mavinga (Toronto FC), Yannick Bangala Litombo (AS Vita Club), Gabriel Zakuani (Gillingham FC).

Midfielders

Chancel Mbemba (Newcastle United), Jacques Maghoma (Birmingham City), Tanguy Ndombele (Lyon), Aron Tshibola (Kilmarnock), Neeskens Kebano (Fulham), Paul Jose Mpoku (Standard Liege), Gael Kakuta (Amiens).

Forwards

Yannick Bolasie (Everton), Mubele Ndombe (Toulouse), Chadrack Akolo (Stuttgart), Harrison Manzala (Amiens), Jordan Botaka (Sint-Truiden), Yeni N’Gbakoto (EA Guingamp), Cedric Bakambu (Beijing Guoan), Britt Assombalonga (Middlesbrough), Benik Afobe (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Kabongo Kasongo (Zamalek), Ben Malango (TP Mazembe), Rick Tulenge.

On Monday, Nigeria named a 30-man provisional squad for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia and they will partake in the friendly encounter.

The three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions have been grouped alongside Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D of the global showpiece in Russia.