Masuaku named in provisional DR Congo squad for AFCON finals

Arthur Masuaku

 

Arthur Masuaku has been included in DR Congo's provisional squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The West Ham United star has been named in the country's 32-man provisional group for next month's tournament in Egypt. There, DR Congo will tackle Uganda in their opening group-stage match on 22 June before taking on the host nation four days later. Their last group game is against Zimbabwe on 30 June.

The 25-year-old has just a single cap to his name, earned in a 2-1 AFCON qualifying win over Zimbabwe in October 2018, but has been recalled by manager Florent Ibenge after enjoying a fine end to the 2018/19 season with the Hammers,

Masuaku is one of four English-based players included alongside Everton winger Yannick Bolasie, Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga and Birmingham City midfielder Jacques Maghoma.

DR Congo are seeking their third AFCON title, having previously won the continental competition in 1968 and 1974.