DR Congo national football team
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The DR Congo national football team (French: Équipe nationale de football de la République démocratique du Congo), recognised by FIFA as Congo DR, represents the Democratic Republic of the Congo in men's international football and it is controlled by the Congolese Association Football Federation. They are nicknamed Les Léopards, meaning The Leopards.[3] The team is a member of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Congo DR have been ranked as high as 28th in the FIFA Rankings, as Zaire they were the first Sub-Saharan African team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and twice won the Africa Cup of Nations. They are also one of the most successful teams in the African Nations Championship with 2 titles, along with Morocco. They are currently ranked 63rd in the FIFA Rankings.[4] Congo DR have previously competed variously as Belgian Congo, Congo-Kinshasa and Zaïre. Their appearance at the 1974 FIFA World Cup was as Zaïre.
History
Early history
The Congolese Association Football Federation was founded in 1919 when the country was not independent. The team played their first game in 1948 as Belgian Congo against Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia. The team recorded a 3–2 victory at home. DR Congo has been FIFA affiliated since 1962 and has been a member of CAF since 1963. The team's first official match was on 11 April 1963, against Mauritania in the L'Amitié Tournament played in Dakar, Senegal. DR Congo won the match 6–0.[5] The national team appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 1965.
Glory period
The Democratic Republic of the Congo had its first international success at the 1968 African Cup of Nations held in Ethiopia, beating Ghana 1–0 in the final. The team's biggest ever win came on 22 November 1969 when they recorded a 10–1 home victory against Zambia. Although a handful of Congolese players were playing in Europe (particularly Belgium) during these years, foreign-based players were seldom recalled for international duty; a rare exception was Julien Kialunda who represented Zaire (as the country was by then known) at the 1972 African Cup of Nations while playing for Anderlecht. The second continental title came at the 1974 African Cup of Nations in Egypt. The Leopards recorded a 2–1 victory against Guinea, another 2–1 victory against rivals Congo and a 4–1 victory against Mauritius. These results carried Zaire through to the semi-finals where they beat hosts Egypt 3–2. In the final, Zaire drew with Zambia 2–2. Therefore, the match was replayed two days later, where Zaire won the game 2–0. Zaire player Ndaye Mulamba was top scorer with nine goals, which remains a record for the tournament. After this, the team returned to Zaire on the Presidential plane, lent to them by Mobutu Sese Seko. Zaire were the first Sub-Saharan African team to participate in a World Cup, qualifying for the 1974 tournament in place of the 1970 participant Morocco, whom they defeated in the decisive qualifier 3–0 in Kinshasa.[6] Such was the desire to foster an identity of Zaire as a global player that Mobutu paid for advertising hoardings at the World Cup to display messages such as ‘Zaire-Peace’ and ‘Go to Zaire’.[7] At the tournament itself, Zaire did not manage to score any goals and lost all of its games, but gave credible performances against Scotland and Brazil. However, their 9–0 loss against Yugoslavia remains one of the worst World Cup defeats. A bizarre moment came in the match versus Brazil; facing a free-kick 25 yards out, defender Mwepu Ilunga, upon hearing the referee blow his whistle, ran out of the Zaire wall and kicked the ball upfield, for which he received a yellow card. This was voted the 17th greatest World Cup moment in a Channel 4 poll.[8] Ilunga has stated that he was quite aware of the rules and was hoping to convince the referee to send him off. The intended red card would have been a protest against his country's authorities, who were alleged to be depriving the players of their earnings.[9] Many contemporary commentators instead held it to be an example of African football's "naïvety and indiscipline".[10]
Crisis period
After winning the 1974 African Cup of Nations and participating in the 1974 World Cup, the team was eliminated in the first round of the 1976 African Cup of Nations after recording a draw and two losses in the group stage. Morocco went on to win the tournament. From 1978 to 1986, the country did not qualify for the African Cup of Nations, while not participating in qualification for the 1978 World Cup and 1986 World Cup. In the 1988 African Cup of Nations, Zaire finished last in their group despite having two draws.
Return to success
From 1992 to 1996, Zaire, reached three consecutive African Cup of Nations quarter-finals. In 1992 and 1994, they were beaten by Nigeria, and in 1996 they were beaten by Ghana. In 1997, the country returned to its former name of Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the national team was re-branded as the Simbas, a nickname that stuck for the next nine years.[11] DR Congo played their first game on 8 June 1997 in Pointe-Noire which ended in a 1–0 loss to the Republic of the Congo. At the 1998 African Cup of Nations, DR Congo, led by Louis Watunda, surprisingly took third place, beating Cameroon in the quarter-finals and hosts Burkina Faso 4–1 on penalties in their last match after scoring three late goals to tie the encounter 4–4. At the 2000 African Cup of Nations, the team finished third in their group, and in 2002 were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Senegal. Then, in 2004, DR Congo were eliminated after three straight defeats in the group stages. In 2006, led by Claude Le Roy, having finished second in the group behind Cameroon, the Congolese were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Egypt 4–1.
Struggles
DR Congo were drawn in group 10 for qualifications for the 2008 African Cup of Nations, along with Libya, Namibia and Ethiopia. Before the last match day, the Congolese led the group, but they drew 1–1 with Libya in their final match while Namibia beat Ethiopia 3–2. This sent Namibia through to the Finals, while the Leopards were eliminated. DR Congo also failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. In 2009, DR Congo won the 2009 African Championship of Nations, a competition reserved to players in domestic leagues, a tournament they would again win in 2016. DR Congo reached the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa but were knocked out in the group stages after drawing all three matches.
The Ibengé era: rise and near World Cup miss
In the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, DR Congo again drew all three group matches but this time finished second in the group behind Tunisia, and therefore advanced to the quarter-finals to play their rivals Republic of Congo, a match in which the Leopards came from two goals down to win 4–2. However, they were knocked out by the Ivory Coast 3–1 in the semi-finals. They ended up finishing third, beating Equatorial Guinea on penalties, after the third place match finished 0–0 in regulation time. DR Congo under Ibengé improved radically and had an outstanding performance for many decades in a World Cup qualification. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, DR Congo was grouped with Libya, Tunisia and Guinea. DR Congo managed an outstanding performance, beating Libya and Guinea home and away, but missed the chance after losing 1–2 to eventual World Cup qualifier Tunisia in Tunis and drew 2–2 at home to the same opponent.
Home stadium
Stade des Martyrs has been the home of the national team since its establishment and they roughly play their games at Lubumbashi.
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled. Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024
| 6 January Friendly | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 0–0 | File:Flag of Angola.svg Angola | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| 15:00 UTC+3 | Report | Stadium: Shabab Al Ahli Stadium Referee: Sultan Al–Hammadi (United Arab Emirates) |
| 10 January Friendly | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 1–2 | File:Flag of Burkina Faso.svg Burkina Faso | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| 17:00 UTC+4 | Report | Stadium: Baniyas Stadium Attendance: 0 |
| 17 January 2023 AFCON GS | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 1–1 | File:Flag of Zambia.svg Zambia | San-Pédro, Ivory Coast |
| 20:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 15,478 Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) |
| 21 January 2023 AFCON GS | Morocco File:Flag of Morocco.svg | 1–1 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | San-Pédro, Ivory Coast |
| 14:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 13,342 Referee: Peter Waweru (Kenya) |
| 24 January 2023 AFCON GS | Tanzania File:Flag of Tanzania.svg | 0–0 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Korhogo, Ivory Coast |
| 20:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium Attendance: 12,847 Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt) |
| 28 January 2023 AFCON R16 | Egypt File:Flag of Egypt.svg | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (7–8 p) | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | San Pédro, Ivory Coast |
| 20:00 UTC±0 |
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Report | Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 12,342[12] Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa) | |
| Penalties | ||||
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| 2 February 2023 AFCON QF | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 3–1 | File:Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 20:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Attendance: 33,278[13] Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) |
| 7 February 2023 AFCON SF | Ivory Coast File:Flag of Côte d'Ivoire.svg | 1–0 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 20:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium Attendance: 51,020 Referee: Ibrahim Mutaz (Libya) |
| 10 February 2023 AFCON 3rd | South Africa File:Flag of South Africa.svg | 0–0 (6–5 p) | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 20:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium Attendance: 21,975 Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) | ||
| Penalties | ||||
| 6 June 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | Senegal File:Flag of Senegal.svg | 1–1 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Diamniadio, Senegal |
| 19:00 UTC±0 | Report | Stadium: Diamniadio Olympic Stadium Referee: Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya) |
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| 9 June 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 1–0 | File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo | Kinshasa, DR Congo |
| 17:00 UTC+1 | Report | Stadium: Stade des Martyrs Referee: Mehrez Malki (Tunisia) |
| 6 September 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 1–0 | File:Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea | Kinshasa, DR Congo |
| 17:00 UTC+1 | Kayembe File:Soccerball shade.svg 27' | Report | Stadium: Stade des Martyrs Referee: Mohamed Adel (Egypt) |
| 9 September 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Ethiopia File:Flag of Ethiopia.svg | 0–2 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) |
| 22:00 UTC+3 | Report | Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Referee: Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria) |
| 10 October 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 1–0 | File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania | Kinshasa, DR Congo |
| --:-- | Mzize File:Soccerball shade.svg 53' (o.g.) | Report | Stadium: Stade des Martyrs Referee: Hillary Hambaba (Zambia) |
| 15 October 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Tanzania File:Flag of Tanzania.svg | 0–2 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| 16:00 UTC+3 | Report |
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Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique) |
| 16 November 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Guinea File:Flag of Guinea.svg | 1–0 | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | Abidjan, Ivory Coast |
| 18:00 UTC±0 | Guirassy File:Soccerball shade.svg 90+2' | Report | Stadium: Alassane Ouattara Stadium |
| 19 November 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | 1–2 | File:Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia | Kinshasa, DR Congo |
| 16:00 UTC+1 | Report | Stadium: Stade des Martyrs Referee: Leonidas Lenine Da Graca (Cape Verde) |
2025
| March 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | v | File:Flag of South Sudan.svg South Sudan | TBD, DR Congo |
| March 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | Mauritania File:Flag of Mauritania.svg | v | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | TBD, Mauritania |
| September 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | South Sudan File:Flag of South Sudan.svg | v | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | TBD, South Sudan |
| September 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | v | File:Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal | TBD, DR Congo |
| October 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | Togo File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg | v | File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | TBD, Togo |
| October 2026 FIFA WC Qualifier | DR Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg | v | File:Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan | TBD, DR Congo |
Coaches
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Léon Mokuna (1965)
- Hungary Ferenc Csanádi (1967–1968)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Léon Mokuna (1968–1970)
- France André Mori (1970)
- Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Blagoje Vidinić (1970–1974)
- Romania Ştefan Stănculescu (1974–1976)
- Zaire Julien Kialunda (?–?)
- West Germany Otto Pfister (1985–1989)
- Zaire Ali Makombo Alamande (1989)
- Zaire Pierre Kalala Mukendi (1992–1993)
- Zaire Louis Watunda (1993)
- Zaire Pierre Kalala Mukendi (1994)
- Zaire Jean-Santos Muntubila (1995)
- Turkey Muhsin Ertuğral (1995–1996)
- Zaire Jean-Santos Muntubila (1996–1997)
- Mali Mohamed Magassouba (1997)
- Brazil Celio Barros (1997)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Saio Ernest Mokili (1997)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Louis Watunda Iyolo (1998–1999)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Médard Lusadusu Basilwa (1999–2000)
- Sweden Roger Palmgren (1999–2000)
- Mali Mohamed Magassouba (2000)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Jean-Santos Muntubila (2001)
- Russia Yuri Gavrilov (2001)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Eugène Kabongo (2002)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Andy Mfutila (2002–2003)
- England Mick Wadsworth (2003–2004)
- France Claude Le Roy (2004–2006)
- Belgium Henri Depireux (2006–2007)
- France Patrice Neveu (2008–2010)
- France Robert Nouzaret (2010–2011)
- France Claude Le Roy (2011–2013)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Jean-Santos Muntubila (2013–2014)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Florent Ibengé (2014–2019)
- Democratic Republic of the Congo Christian Nsengi-Biembe (2019–2021)
- Argentina Héctor Cúper (2021–2022)
- France Sébastien Desabre (2022–present)
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Players
Current squad
The following players have been selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Guinea and Ethiopia on 16 and 19 November 2024 respectively.[14] Caps and goals as of 19 November 2024, after the match against Ethiopia.
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Lionel Mpasi | 1 August 1994 | 16 | 0 | France Rodez | |
| GK | Dimitry Bertaud | 6 June 1998 | 9 | 0 | France Montpellier | |
| GK | Timothy Fayulu | 24 July 1999 | 0 | 0 | Switzerland Sion | |
| DF | Chancel Mbemba (captain) | 8 August 1994 | 90 | 6 | France Marseille | |
| DF | Arthur Masuaku | 7 November 1993 | 30 | 3 | Turkey Beşiktaş | |
| DF | Henoc Inonga Baka | 1 November 1993 | 22 | 0 | Morocco AS FAR | |
| DF | Gédéon Kalulu | 29 August 1997 | 19 | 0 | France Lorient | |
| DF | Joris Kayembe | 8 August 1994 | 11 | 0 | Belgium Genk | |
| DF | Dylan Batubinsika | 15 February 1996 | 9 | 1 | France Saint-Étienne | |
| DF | Rocky Bushiri | 30 November 1999 | 2 | 0 | Scotland Hibernian | |
| DF | Peter Kioso | 15 August 1999 | 1 | 0 | England Oxford United | |
| MF | Meschak Elia | 6 August 1997 | 52 | 11 | Switzerland Young Boys | |
| MF | Samuel Moutoussamy | 12 August 1996 | 42 | 0 | Turkey Sivasspor | |
| MF | Théo Bongonda | 20 November 1995 | 25 | 4 | Russia Spartak Moscow | |
| MF | Edo Kayembe | 3 August 1998 | 26 | 2 | England Watford | |
| MF | Charles Pickel | 15 May 1997 | 19 | 0 | Italy Cremonese | |
| MF | Silas Katompa Mvumpa | 6 October 1998 | 17 | 1 | Serbia Red Star Belgrade | |
| MF | William Balikwisha | 12 May 1999 | 6 | 0 | Belgium OH Leuven | |
| MF | Noah Sadiki | 17 December 2004 | 6 | 0 | Belgium Union Saint-Gilloise | |
| MF | Nathanaël Mbuku | 16 March 2002 | 3 | 0 | Croatia Dinamo Zagreb | |
| MF | Ngal'ayel Mukau | 3 November 2004 | 2 | 0 | France Lille | |
| MF | Oscar Kabwit | 5 May 2005 | 1 | 0 | Democratic Republic of the Congo Mazembe | |
| FW | Fiston Mayele | 24 June 1994 | 21 | 4 | Egypt Pyramids | |
| FW | Simon Banza | 13 August 1996 | 10 | 0 | Portugal Braga | |
| FW | Samuel Essende | 30 January 1998 | 6 | 0 | Germany FC Augsburg | |
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Recent call-ups
The following players have also been called up for DR Congo in the last twelve months and are still eligible to represent.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Brudel Efonge | 29 May 1999 | 0 | 0 | Democratic Republic of the Congo Maniema | v. File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania, 15 October 2024 |
| GK | Esdras Kabamba | 24 June 1999 | 0 | 0 | Angola Bravos do Maquis | v. File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo, 9 June 2024 |
| GK | Baggio Siadi | 21 July 1997 | 4 | 0 | Democratic Republic of the Congo Mazembe | 2023 AFCON |
| DF | Axel Tuanzebe | 14 November 1997 | 3 | 0 | England Ipswich Town | v. File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania, 10 October 2024 PRE |
| DF | Brian Bayeye | 30 June 2000 | 3 | 0 | Italy Torino | 2023 AFCON |
| DF | Ngonda Muzinga | 31 December 1994 | 24 | 0 | Latvia Riga | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| DF | Merveille Bokadi | 21 May 1996 | 22 | 1 | Belgium Standard Liège | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| DF | Dieumerci Amale | 17 October 1998 | 18 | 0 | Morocco Difaâ El Jadidi | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| DF | Jordan Ikoko | 3 February 1994 | 9 | 0 | Cyprus Pafos | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| DF | Vital N'Simba | 8 July 1993 | 2 | 0 | France Bordeaux | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| DF | Arsène Zola | 23 February 1996 | 1 | 0 | Morocco Wydad Casablanca | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| MF | Gaël Kakuta | 21 June 1991 | 27 | 3 | Iran Esteghlal | v. File:Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea, 16 November 2024 PRE |
| MF | Chadrac Akolo | 1 April 1995 | 26 | 2 | Switzerland St. Gallen | v. File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania, 10 October 2024 PRE |
| MF | Aaron Tshibola | 25 January 1995 | 14 | 1 | United Arab Emirates Hatta | v. File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo, 9 June 2024 |
| MF | Grady Diangana | 19 April 1998 | 5 | 0 | England West Bromwich Albion | v. File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo, 9 June 2024 |
| MF | Omenuke Mfulu | 20 March 1994 | 7 | 0 | Spain Las Palmas | 2023 AFCON |
| MF | Neeskens Kebano | 10 March 1992 | 35 | 6 | United Arab Emirates Al Jazira | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| MF | Makabi Lilepo | 27 July 1997 | 7 | 0 | France Valenciennes | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| MF | Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu | 22 March 1994 | 3 | 0 | England Luton Town | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| MF | Arnaud Lusamba | 4 January 1997 | 2 | 0 | Turkey Pendikspor | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| MF | Jonathan Okita | 5 October 1996 | 2 | 0 | Switzerland Zürich | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| FW | Yoane Wissa | 3 September 1996 | 28 | 5 | England Brentford | v. File:Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea, 16 November 2024 PRE |
| FW | Cédric Bakambu | 11 April 1991 | 54 | 16 | Spain Real Betis | 2023 AFCON |
| FW | Jonathan Bolingi | 30 June 1994 | 34 | 9 | Serbia Vojvodina | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| FW | Ben Malango | 10 November 1993 | 21 | 6 | Qatar Qatar SC | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| FW | Jackson Muleka | 4 October 1999 | 14 | 1 | Turkey Beşiktaş | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| FW | Aldo Kalulu | 21 January 1996 | 5 | 0 | Serbia Partizan | 2023 AFCON PRE |
| FW | Gaëtan Laura | 6 August 1995 | 0 | 0 | Turkey Samsunspor | 2023 AFCON PRE |
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. | ||||||
Records
- As of 15 October 2024[15]
- Players in bold are still active with DR Congo.
Most appearances
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| Rank | Name | Caps | Goals | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chancel Mbemba | 89 | 6 | 2012–present |
| 2 | Issama Mpeko | 81 | 2 | 2011–2023 |
| 3 | Robert Kidiaba | 64 | 0 | 2002–2015 |
| 4 | Cédric Bakambu | 54 | 16 | 2015–present |
| 5 | Zola Matumona | 53 | 9 | 2002–2014 |
| Trésor Mputu | 53 | 14 | 2004–2021 | |
| 7 | Joël Kimwaki | 52 | 3 | 2009–2016 |
| 8 | Yannick Bolasie | 50 | 9 | 2013–2022 |
| Meschak Elia | 50 | 11 | 2016–present | |
| Marcel Mbayo | 50 | 4 | 1996–2011 |
Top goalscorers
| Rank | Name | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dieumerci Mbokani | 22 | 49 | 0.45 | 2005–2022 |
| 2 | Cédric Bakambu | 16 | 54 | 0.3 | 2015–present |
| 3 | Shabani Nonda | 14 | 22 | 0.64 | 2000–2008 |
| Trésor Mputu | 14 | 53 | 0.26 | 2004–2021 | |
| 5 | Jean-Jacques Yemweni | 12 | 16 | 0.75 | 2000–2007 |
| 6 | Ngoy Kabongo | 11 | 22 | 0.5 | 1981–1991 |
| Meschak Elia | 11 | 50 | 0.22 | 2016–present | |
| 8 | Ndaye Mulamba | 10 | 20 | 0.5 | 1973–1976 |
| 9 | Kakoko Etepé | 9 | 31 | 0.29 | 1970–1976 |
| Dioko Kaluyituka | 9 | 31 | 0.29 | 2004–2013 | |
| Jonathan Bolingi | 9 | 34 | 0.26 | 2014–2022 | |
| Ndombe Mubele | 9 | 45 | 0.2 | 2013–2018 | |
| Yannick Bolasie | 9 | 50 | 0.18 | 2013–2022 | |
| Zola Matumona | 9 | 53 | 0.17 | 2002–2014 |
Competitive record
FIFA World Cup
| FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| as File:Flag of the Congo Free State.svg Congo and File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) (1960–1963).svg Congo-Léopoldville | as File:Flag of the Congo Free State.svg Congo and File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) (1960–1963).svg Congo-Léopoldville | ||||||||||||||
| 1930 to 1962 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||
| as File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) (1963–1966).svg Congo-Kinshasa | as File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) (1963–1966).svg Congo-Kinshasa | ||||||||||||||
| England 1966 | Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
| as File:Flag of Zaire (1971–1997).svg Zaire | as File:Flag of Zaire (1971–1997).svg Zaire | ||||||||||||||
| Mexico 1970 | Entry not accepted by FIFA | Entry not accepted by FIFA | |||||||||||||
| West Germany 1974 | Group stage | 16th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 20 | 4 | |
| Argentina 1978 | Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||
| Spain 1982 | Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 9 | ||||||||
| Mexico 1986 | Banned | Banned | |||||||||||||
| Italy 1990 | Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||
| United States 1994 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
| France 1998 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 10 | |||||||||
| as Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | as Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg DR Congo | ||||||||||||||
| South Korea Japan 2002 | Did not qualify | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 18 | ||||||||
| Germany 2006 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 14 | 10 | |||||||||
| South Africa 2010 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 6 | |||||||||
| Brazil 2014 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 5 | |||||||||
| Russia 2018 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 9 | |||||||||
| Qatar 2022 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 8 | |||||||||
| Canada Mexico United States 2026 | To be determined | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | ||||||||
| Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
| Saudi Arabia 2034 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | Group stage | 1/15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 86 | 39 | 21 | 26 | 136 | 91 | |
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Africa Cup of Nations
| Africa Cup of Nations record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
| Sudan 1957 | Part of Belgium | Part of Belgium | ||||||||||||||
| Egypt 1959 | ||||||||||||||||
| Ethiopia 1962 | Not affiliated to CAF | Not affiliated to CAF | ||||||||||||||
| Ghana 1963 | ||||||||||||||||
| Played as File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) (1963–1966).svg Congo-Léopoldville | Played as File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville) (1963–1966).svg Congo-Léopoldville | |||||||||||||||
| Tunisia 1965 | Group stage | 5th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 8 | ||
| Played as File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1966–1971).svg Congo-Kinshasa | Played as File:Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1966–1971).svg Congo-Kinshasa | |||||||||||||||
| Ethiopia 1968 | Champions | 1st | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | ||
| Sudan 1970 | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | Qualified as defending champions | |||||||
| Played as File:Flag of Zaire (1971–1997).svg Zaire | Played as File:Flag of Zaire (1971–1997).svg Zaire | |||||||||||||||
| Cameroon 1972 | Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | ||
| Egypt 1974 | Champions | 1st | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 3 | ||
| Ethiopia 1976 | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | Qualified as defending champions | |||||||
| Ghana 1978 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
| Nigeria 1980 | Did not qualify | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 10 | |||||||||
| Libya 1982 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
| Ivory Coast 1984 | Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
| Egypt 1986 | Did not qualify | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 4 | |||||||||
| Morocco 1988 | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | ||
| Algeria 1990 | Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |||||||||
| Senegal 1992 | Quarter-finals | 6th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | ||
| Tunisia 1994 | Quarter-finals | 7th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 3 | ||
| South Africa 1996 | Quarter-finals | 8th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 5 | ||
| Played as Democratic Republic of the Congo / Democratic Republic of the Congo / Democratic Republic of the Congo DR Congo | Played as Democratic Republic of the Congo / Democratic Republic of the Congo / Democratic Republic of the Congo DR Congo | |||||||||||||||
| Burkina Faso 1998 | Third place | 3rd | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | ||
| Ghana Nigeria 2000 | Group stage | 12th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | ||
| Mali 2002 | Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 10 | ||
| Tunisia 2004 | Group stage | 15th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 5 | ||
| Egypt 2006 | Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 14 | 10 | ||
| Ghana 2008 | Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 10 | |||||||||
| Angola 2010 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 6 | ||||||||||
| Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 10 | ||||||||||
| South Africa 2013 | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 5 | ||
| Equatorial Guinea 2015 | Third place | 3rd | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 9 | ||
| Gabon 2017 | Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 6 | ||
| Egypt 2019 | Round of 16 | 14th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 6 | ||
| Cameroon 2021 | Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||
| Ivory Coast 2023 | Fourth place | 4th | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 11 | 4 | ||
| Morocco 2025 | Qualified | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||
| Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 | To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
| File:Flag placeholder.svg 2029 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2 Titles | 20/34 | 80 | 21 | 29 | 30 | 94 | 104 | 147 | 74 | 34 | 36 | 243 | 153 | ||
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African Nations Championship
| African Nations Championship record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
| Ivory Coast 2009 | Final | Winners | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 2 | |
| Sudan 2011 | Quarter-finals | 8th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | |
| South Africa 2014 | Quarter-finals | 7th | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Rwanda 2016 | Final | Winners | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 7 | DR Congo qualified by walkover. | ||||||
| Morocco 2018 | Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| Cameroon 2020 | Quarter-finals | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | ||
| Algeria 2022 | Group stage | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | ||
| Total | 2 titles | 5/6 | 23 | 12 | 4 | 7 | 32 | 24 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 19 | 8 | |
African Games
| African Games record | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Result | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
| Republic of the Congo 1965 | 5th | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 8 |
| 1973-1987 | Did not enter | ||||||
| Total | 1/4 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 8 |
Head-to-head record
Including the record of File:Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia. Updated as for 19 November 2024.
| Opponent | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | W% | L% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Algeria.svg Algeria | 7 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 42.86 |
| File:Flag of Angola.svg Angola | 17 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 22 | 13 | 47.06 | 23.53 |
| File:Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Benin.svg Benin | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 75 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Botswana.svg Botswana | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 40 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Burkina Faso.svg Burkina Faso[note 1] | 13 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 23 | 21 | 38.46 | 46.15 |
| File:Flag of Burundi.svg Burundi | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 100 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon | 36 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 32 | 46 | 30.56 | 50 |
| File:Flag of Cape Verde.svg Cape Verde | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 33.33 | 0 |
| File:Flag of the Central African Republic.svg Central African Republic | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 5 | 71.43 | 14.29 |
| File:Flag of Chad.svg Chad | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 100 | 0 |
| File:Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg Congo | 38 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 66 | 38 | 47.37 | 21.05 |
| File:Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 3 | 75 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Egypt.svg Egypt | 14 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 27 | 7.14 | 57.14 |
| File:Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg Equatorial Guinea | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 33.33 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of Eswatini.svg Eswatini | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 6 | 62.5 | 12.5 |
| File:Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopia | 8 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 6 | 75 | 25 |
| File:Flag of Gabon.svg Gabon | 19 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 16 | 16 | 31.58 | 26.32 |
| File:Flag of The Gambia.svg Gambia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 33.33 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of Ghana.svg Ghana | 24 | 5 | 6 | 13 | 23 | 40 | 20.83 | 54.17 |
| File:Flag of Guinea.svg Guinea | 15 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 11 | 40 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of Iraq.svg Iraq | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Côte d'Ivoire.svg Ivory Coast | 20 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 27 | 34 | 25 | 45 |
| File:Flag of Kenya.svg Kenya | 12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 13 | 50 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of Lesotho.svg Lesotho | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 17 | 4 | 42.86 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Liberia.svg Liberia | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 10 | 44.44 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of Libya.svg Libya | 12 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 19 | 11 | 41.67 | 16.67 |
| File:Flag of Madagascar.svg Madagascar | 14 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 15 | 50 | 28.57 |
| File:Flag of Malawi.svg Malawi | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 57.14 | 14.29 |
| File:Flag of Mali.svg Mali | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 18 | 18.18 | 45.45 |
| File:Flag of Mauritania.svg Mauritania | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 100 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Mauritius.svg Mauritius | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 100 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco | 17 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 14 | 20 | 17.65 | 29.41 |
| File:Flag of Mozambique.svg Mozambique | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 7 | 71.43 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Namibia.svg Namibia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 33.33 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Niger.svg Niger | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 33.33 | 33.33 |
| File:Flag of Nigeria.svg Nigeria | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 16 | 16 | 40 | 50 |
| File:Flag of North Korea.svg North Korea | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Oman.svg Oman | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Rwanda.svg Rwanda | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 7 | 40 | 60 |
| File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Saudi Arabia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal | 13 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 13 | 18 | 23.08 | 46.15 |
| File:Flag of Seychelles.svg Seychelles | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 100 | 0 |
| File:Flag of Sierra Leone.svg Sierra Leone | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 100 | 0 |
| File:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 11.11 | 66.67 |
| File:Flag of Sudan.svg Sudan | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 11 | 58.33 | 25 |
| File:Flag of Tanzania.svg Tanzania | 18 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 17 | 11 | 38.89 | 16.67 |
| File:Flag of Togo (3-2).svg Togo | 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 41 | 11 | 76.47 | 5.88 |
| File:Flag of Tunisia.svg Tunisia | 20 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 17 | 27 | 25 | 55 |
| File:Flag of Uganda.svg Uganda | 16 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 10 | 56.25 | 31.25 |
| File:Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Yugoslavia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 100 |
| File:Flag of Zambia.svg Zambia | 27 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 43 | 35 | 30.77 | 26.92 |
| File:Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Zimbabwe | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 10 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
- ↑ Includes the results of File:Flag of Upper Volta.svg Upper Volta.
Honours
Continental
- CAF African Cup of Nations
- File:Coppa Africa.svg Champions (2): 1968, 1974
- File:Bronze medal africa.svg Third place (2): 1998, 2015
- CAF African Nations Championship
- File:Gold medal africa.svg Champions (2): 2009, 2016
Regional
- Central African Games
- File:Med 1.png Gold medal (1): 1981
Summary
| Senior Competitions | 1st place, gold medalist(s) | 2nd place, silver medalist(s) | 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAF African Cup of Nations | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| CAF African Nations Championship | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
References
- ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
- ↑ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ↑ "BBC SPORT | WORLD CUP | History | 1974: Zaire's show of shame". BBC News. 22 May 2002. Archived from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "FIFA". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ↑ Courtney, Barrie (14 June 2007). "DR Congo (Zaire, Congo-Kinshasa) – List of International matches". FRSSF. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
- ↑ "Leopards roar to Germany 1974". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- ↑ "More than a game? Mobutu, Sport and Zairian Identity, 1965-1974" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 January 2017. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- ↑ "Explore". Channel 4. Archived from the original on 19 January 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "BBC Sport – Football – Zaire free-kick farce explained". BBC News. 28 May 2010. Archived from the original on 28 March 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "The Joy of Six: Symbolic reducers, including Roy Keane, Norman Whiteside and Benjamin Massing | Football". London: theguardian.com. 23 July 2007. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "Football Team Nicknames". topendsports.com. Archived from the original on 13 August 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ↑ "Egypt vs DR Congo match Report". Global Sports Archive. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ↑ "DR Congo vs Guinea match Report". Global Sports Archive. 2 February 2024. Archived from the original on 2 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ↑ "RDC : Élim/CAN 2025: Une dernière liste des 26 joueurs pour clôturer en beauté avec le retour de Ngal'ayel Mukau" (in French). 30 October 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ↑ Roberto Mamrud. "Congo-Kinshasa – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
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