Sébastien Desabre, the head coach of the DR Congo national team, has confirmed that striker Fiston Mayele remains in his plans for upcoming international fixtures. This statement comes as the player has just completed a move to the Libyan club Al-Ahli Tripoli.
The outlet Sport News Africa reported the French coach's comments this week. Desabre praised the journey of the 29-year-old forward. "Mayele has worked hard, it hasn't always been easy for him and he deserves what is happening to him," he said. The two-year deal signed in Libya is reported to be worth more than 8.5 million euros for the former Pyramids FC attacker.
Why does Mayele remain eligible for selection?
The league a player competes in is often a topic of debate. Sébastien Desabre was very clear on this matter. "I see no reason not to select a player because he plays in Libya," he stated. For the coach, form, motivation, and contribution to the team collective outweigh the league's stature. This stance opens the door for Mayele for the Leopards' next two matches. The team will face Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe next March in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The full schedule for these qualifiers is available on our fixtures page.
What is Fiston Mayele's profile?
Fiston Mayele is a central striker known for his physical presence and goal-scoring instinct. He had a mixed 2025/2026 season prior to this transfer. His statistics with the national team mark him as an interesting offensive option for Desabre. The Leopards' squad features several attackers playing in varied leagues, giving the coaching staff flexibility based on tactical needs. The full list of eligible players can be viewed on our squad page.
What are the next challenges for the Leopards?
DR Congo is involved in two major competitions. Beyond the race to qualify for AFCON 2027, the team is also aiming for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. Their journey in the World Cup qualifiers has been solid, and the team holds a favourable position in its group. Recent collective performances, available in our stats, show a sturdy defence. The immediate objective is to succeed in the March double-header to move closer to CAN qualification. Fiston Mayele's last call-up was several months ago, but his changed club situation could reignite his international career. The technical staff will monitor his early performances with his new club closely.
Mayele's first opportunity to rejoin the squad will be the double-header against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe.
