BOURNEMOUTH striker Benik Afobe has been included in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola later this month.
The 23-year-old has represented England at the youth level since 2005, having captained the Under-12s, won the Victory Shield with the U16s, and played 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 his maiden call-up in a 32-man provisional squad for the Group B fixtures at home on 26 March and away in Lubango three days later.
Afobe holds dual nationality and has not performed for England’s senior team, making him eligible for the Leopards as soon as a software has been made to FIFA and accredited.
Afobe, who moved to Bournemouth from Wolves for £10m in January, has scored five goals in 11 appearances for the Cherries this season. The former Arsenal striker scored 23 goals in two seasons with Wolves.
Other Premier League stars include 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 as the nation won the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for a second time last month, are in the squad.
DR Congo is currently third in Group B after a home win over Madagascar and a shock 2-0 defeat at Central African Republic in September.
CHAN winner Ibenge, who also guided DR Congo to third place in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, is determined to achieve optimistic outcomes for group leaders Angola.
Only group winners are assured of automated qualification to the event in Gabon.
The Leopards have additionally progressed to the ultimate round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
