BOURNEMOUTH striker, Benik Afobe, has been included within the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers towards Angola later this month.
The 23-year-old has represented England at youth stage since 2005, having captained the Under-12s, gained the Victory Shield with the U16s, and turned out for the U17s, U19s and U21s.
Last month Afobe revealed {that a} lack of possibilities to make England’s senior squad may lead him to show to the nation of his dad and mom.
DR Congo coach, Florent Ibenge, has now handed him a maiden call-up in a 32-man provisional squad for the Group B fixtures at residence on 26 March and away in Lubango three days later.
Afobe holds twin nationality and has not performed for England’s senior facet, making him eligible for the Leopards – as soon as an software has been made to Fifa and accredited.
Afobe, who moved to Bournemouth from Wolves for £10m in January, has scored 5 objectives in 11 appearances for the Cherries to this point this season. The former Arsenal striker scored 23 objectives in two seasons with Wolves.
Other Premier League stars listed embrace Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba, Norwich City duo Youssouf Mulumbu and Dieumerci Mbokani, and fit-again Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie.
Expectedly, goalkeeper Ley Matampi and defender Joel Kimwaki, who each starred because the nation gained the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for a second time final month, are within the squad.
DR Congo are presently third in Group B aftisa a house win over Madagascar and a shock 2-0 defeat at Central African Republic in September.
CHAN winner Ibenge, who additionally guided DR Congo to 3rd place finally yr’s Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, is determined for optimistic outcomes towards group leaders Angola.
Only group winners are assured automated qualification to the event in Gabon.
The Leopards have additionally progressed to the ultimate spherical of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.