Tunisia coach George Leekens has named a provisional 26-man squad for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea 2015.
The Belgian left out veteran forward, Issam Jemaa, making it the first time since 2006 that the Qatari-based striker will be missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jemaa, 30, who plays for Al-Sailiya and was a member of the Carthage Eagles squad in their last five appearances at the continental showpiece event (2006,2008,2010,2012,2013) has played a bit-part role in the team since Leekens took charge.
Despite scoring six goals in all competitions with his Qatari club, the veteran will play a no part in Tunisia’s quest for the Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time since 2004.
Leekens named 14-locally based players in the squad with France-based uncapped striker Yoann Touzhgar the surprise inclusion.
According to a programme released by the Tunisia Football Federation (FTF), the Carthage Eagles will from 2-8 January 2015 hold a training camp in Monastir. Between 9 and 12 January, the team will be involved in workouts in the coastal city of Hammamet.
On 11 January, the Carthage Eagles will engage neighbours Algeria in a friendly in Rades before traveling to the Gabonese capital, Libreville, 24-hours late
Meanwhile Striker Dieumerci Mbokani and goalkeeper Parfait Mandanda have been included in DR Congo’s 29-man provisional squad for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea 2015.
The two players, who played no part in the qualifiers, have been called-up by head coach Florent Ibenge for next year’s tournament after recovering from injuries.
Mbokani, who plays for Ukrainian side, Dynamo Kiev has recovered fully from a troubled knee injury likewise Mandanda, who is the kid brother of France international Steve Mandanda of Olympique Marseille fame.
Seven players from AS Vita, losing finalists in the 2014 Orange CAF Champions League and handled by Ibenge were also named in the squad that has five others playing in the domestic league.
The Leopards will hold a training camp in Yaounde, Cameroon to round-up their preparations for the 17 January to 8 February tournament.
DR Congo, winners in 1968 and 1974 are in Group B with 2012 champions, Zambia, Cape Verde and Tunisia.
Full squad – Tunisia
Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia (Espérance de Tunis), Farouk Ben Mustapha (Club Africain), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile du Sahel)
Defenders: Mohamed Ali Yaâkoubi (Espérance de Tunis), Aymen Abdennour (AS Monaco), Rami Bedoui (Etoile du Sahel), Syam Ben Youssef (Astra Giurgiu), Ali Maâloul (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Hamza Mathlouthi (CA Bizertin), Bilel Mohsni (Glasgow Rangers), Slim Ben Jemai (Laval), Yassine Mikari (Club Africain)
Midfielders: Yassine Chikhaoui (FC Zurich), Stéphane Nater (Club Africain), Mohamed Ali Moncer (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Houcine Ragued (Espérance de Tunis), Ferjani Sassi (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Jamel Saihi (Montpellier), Wahbi Khazri (Bordeaux), Anis Ben Htira (Hertha Berlin)
Forwards: Youssef Msakni (Lekhwiya), Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Club Sportif Sfaxien), Saber Khelifa (Club Africain), Hamza Younes (Ludogorets), Amine Chermiti (FC Zurich), Yohan Touzghar (RC Lens)
Full squad – DR Congo
Goalkeepers: Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Hervé Lomboto (AS Vita), Parfait Mandanda (Charleroi, Belgium), Nicaise Kudimbana (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Defenders: Litombo Bangala (DC Motema Pembe), Jean Kaususuka (TP Mazembe), Joel Kimwaki (TP Mazembe), Isama Mpeko (Kabuscorp, Angola), Lomanisa Mutambala (AS Vita), Mabele Bawaka (AS Vita), Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht, Belgium), Cédric Mongongu (Evian TG, France), Christopher Oualembo (Academica Coimbra, Portugal)
Midfielders: Hervé Kage (Genk, Belgium), Neeskens Kebano (Charleroi, Belgium), Lema Mabidi (AS Vita), Nelson Munganga (AS Vita), Cédric Makiadi (Werder Bremen, Germany), Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion, England), Distel Zola (Châteauroux, France), Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough, England)
Forwards: Jeremy Bokila (Terek Grozny, Russia), Yannick Bolasie (Crystal Palace, England), Junior Kabananga (Cercle Bruges, Belgium), Dark Kabangu (FC MK Etanchéité), Luvumbu Nzinga (AS Vita), Firmin Mubele Ndombe (AS Vita), Cédric Mabwati (Osasuna, Spain), Dieumerci Mbokani (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine)
Zamfoot you guys take ages for updates, thanks though.
So thats the DRC congo line up that sent john into panic mood. Lets wait and see what they wil do on the pitch.
Zaire’s players play in recognised clubs. Very scarely indeed.
It was the same before we played senegal. We panicked after we saw the line up. But look wat happened.
these drc player are far from being world class players.they play for small teams.there is nothing to fear not strong on paper. those who are in a panic mood be rest assured.zambia can match drc.2012 zambia played senegal,ivory coast and ghana which was decorated with stars dotted on the glob.recently zambia beat cape varde with a complete team of professional.
Besides on our day we’ve always handled perfectly the so called teams with players featuring for the so called established leagues and clubs!!!
happy new year to all bloggers
Let us not take DRC with one hand, they can give us a tough game.
And let Zaire not take us with half a hand!!!
Anyone who’s watched Bolas in the EPL knows that this team can’t be taken lightly.
Bolasie* chi auto correct kuti chaku sebanya
Let’s chill gents. It will be 11 men vs 11 men. Zambia up their game when playing good teams. If there is a team that is worrying me much is Tunisia. We have always struggled against North African teams as they are fast and pacey. I am not sure if Donashano and Munthali will cope, I am afraid these boys will be “skinned alive”.
Granted its a tough group it still however remains the most open were any of the teams in the group can qualify Zambia included….GAME ON!
DRC looks good but team cohesion is their weakness. Paradox, Senegal appeared to be the strongest team at 2012 afcon b4 kick off. Steven Keshi rated them highly favourites and thought Zambia will be butchered.
The fact was that, Senegal was the weakest team in that tornament. They went at afcon with 7 top world strikers forgeting other departments and Kalaba showed them that midfield is key to get goals.
Names doesn’t work in soccer nowadays.
I have watched DRC on many occasions. They lack team cohesion and discipline. We can dismantle them. Cape Verde we know them as we can match them. The real threat will come from Tunisia because of their experience and depth.
This is a tough group and one under-rates it at their own peril. One important feature of these teams is that they have a significant home base! In case you havent noticed, this is the reason West Africa fares poorly at AFCON. Zambia, Congo and Tunisia all donot have notable superstars but have strong teams. I can actually predict that whoever comes out of this group may go all the way to the finals. So lets respect Congo DR(remember how they hammered Ivory Coast at their home not so long ago)
it is time to join and support Zambia, ichipolopolo
Am worried with chipolopolo squard.i dont see them doing any better at this afcon
Happy new year bloggers
No Tresor Mputu in the Congo squad.
Please mr Janza sir replace that injured boy with Jacob and am a worried soul facing DRC’s Bolasie with Munthali and Malama in defence kaya mwe.
In footble today there is no profesional plyers.all are egual its matter of workng hard
powerful squad . we stand no chance. yanick bolasie!
@ stumpy – think the question here should be why Janza left out Jacob Mulenga and Rodger Kola who are scoring goals.We have seen Ivory Coast,Senegal Ghana lining up best players from Europe but to no avail.We have a chance to do better if the coach can be a little beat accommodating by having quality on the bench especially with the inclusion of Felix Katongo, Rodger KOla and Jacob Mulenga.
Ivory Coast & Renard were left Stunned by Bana ba Congo…
Yaya tried to shine but Bolasie shinned with little possession he made it count!
Chipolopolo will conquer if they prepare well….. MORE FRIEND LIES please & let’s set base in Gabon so as to acclimatise…..