To get back to the tournament … 48 years after their only participation, the Leopards will have to beat a great African in a two-way match (Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia or Senegal, draw on December 18). At the federation, we are trying to strengthen the team as much as possible by the spring by trying to convince binationals. Roger Hitoto, a former international who became ambassador for the Congolese selection in Europe, will visit around ten targets in the coming weeks. There are two potential Devils in the list: Orel Mangala (23, defensive midfielder from Stuttgart) and Théo Bongonda (26, striker from Genk).
Both have an attractive profile for the Congo: still young but disappointed not yet to have been called by Belgium. In the entourage of the two players (born in Belgium to a Congolese father), we are aware of this upcoming court. At the Belgian federation, where we make sure not to lose talent with the change of generation that is looming, we say “not to be aware of this approach of the Congo”.
