Paris Brunner weighs DR Congo move as Desabre list nears

Sébastien Desabre’s expanded DR Congo squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is expected this week, while Paris Brunner remains undecided between the Leopards and Germany. The announcement is due on Thursday or Friday and will show which recently recruited dual nationals are ready to join the campaign.

DR Congo will face Equatorial Guinea on September 24 before meeting Zimbabwe four days later. Two friendlies against Uganda are also planned, giving some players a possible route into the squad before their international eligibility is completed for competitive matches.

Ezechiel Banzuzi of RB Leipzig, Ajax defender Jorthy Mokio and Kevin Pedro of Saint-Etienne have chosen DR Congo. Jordy Makengo, Paris Maghoma, Noah Mbemba, Anthony Musaba, Junior Kadile and Stephy Mavididi have also opted for the country and completed the required procedures. Mavididi is expected to be included for the September gathering, while the involvement of several others depends on their administrative clearance.

Mokio could feature against Uganda while waiting for FIFA approval to play in official matches. The Ajax player must observe a two-year wait after representing Belgium in a competitive fixture in 2025. FECOFA is still pursuing Brunner, the 20-year-old Monaco striker, whose performances this season have strengthened interest but who has yet to make his international choice.