The continental competition, which runs from September 13 to September 26, 2026, was relocated outside the DRC after the Confédération Africaine de Volleyball moved the event due to health concerns surrounding an Ebola virus outbreak in the country.
Squad Selection and Training at Stade Tata Raphaël
Head coach Éric Ngapeth officially named a 16-player squad selected through the Fédération de Volley-Ball du Congo (FEVOCO), as reported by Africa Top Sports. The team is currently training at the Stade Tata Raphaël in Kinshasa to build chemistry and tactical discipline ahead of their departure for Tunisia. Radio Okapi noted a slightly trimmed working list of 14 players as the technical staff narrows down the roster for the final phase of preparations.
The squad brings together a balanced mix of power and experience across all positions. Playmaking duties fall to setters Ben Nakavoua and Mazowe Kola. On the wings, the team relies on a versatile group of outside hitters featuring Yannick Shesha, Jérémie Mukelenge, Moïse Kitambala, Didier Kitoko, Perpétue Salasala, and Steve Kabongo. Tegra Tshibasu and Théo Mabila anchor the opposite hitter positions.
Defensive security and net protection round out the core lineup. The middle block is locked down by Josué Lumanu, Gaston Bashiya, Djanny Katombe, and Francis Kabangu. Meanwhile, back-row defense is managed by liberos Jordy Moukoko and Moïse Ndwayi.
Tournament Stakes and Olympic Qualification
According to Africa Top Sports, the tournament offers a direct qualification ticket to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This year’s event features a record-setting participation level from nations across Africa, surpassing the previous tournament held in Egypt in 2023.
While the relocation to Tunis disrupted the initial logistical preparations for the Congolese delegation—originally slated to host the tournament from September 7 to September 21—the squad remains focused on making an impact on the regional stage. The team must quickly adapt to the new training environment and schedule constraints as they travel to North Africa for the opening matches.
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