All Whites v Congo DR | Sat 14th October | 5:00am NZT | Murcia, Spain

First ever meeting between AWs & Congo DR.
Team sheets from their last competitive game against Sudan, in September. French coach and fair few of their squad born in France, and/or play in the French leagues.

https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2023/09/09/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/congo-dr/sudan/3783067/

Francophile Tuiloma's old Timbers team mate 35 yr old Larrys

Mabiala, played 9 games for Congo many years ago. Garbett (through his mum) likely another who speaks a bit of French.

At this stage, doesn't seem Congo have another game in the October window, so they could be close to full strength. They have CAF World Cup qualifiers in the Nov window.

You'd think AWs will play a stronger side against Australia in the 2nd game Oct window. Though of the 4 matches over Oct & Nov - Congo are likely the best chance of a win.

Wiki says Christian Kinsombi (German born) has been in Congo DR squads but is uncapped. He's at Hana Rostock with Singh.
Aldo Kalulu plays for Partizan. They will come up against Stamenic's Red Star in the big Belgrade derby in a few days.
Likewise Rocky Bushiri's Hibernian play Greive's St Mirren this weekend.
Ditto Yoane Wissa's Brentford against Notts Forest & the Woodsman.

Congo DR are ranked 64 by FIFA. 
The Gambia who AWs beat 2-0, Nov 2021 are 118. 
All Whites 104

Congo had a 2 legged CAF WC qualifier against Morocco last year, which they lost 5-2 on agg.

McGarry officially out, replaced by Wilkins.

IMG_5625.jpeg 149.26 KB

Friar Tuck

McGarry officially out, replaced by Wilkins.

IMG_5625.jpeg 149.26 KB

Thought he was pretty damned unlucky to miss out on the initial squad to be fair. 
 
Pretty much a like for like replacement, both McGarry & Wilkins like to get forward and get down the flanks on those overlapping runs. Added versatility from Wilkins too as he can cover LB/LWB/RB/RWB positions.

Now no more injury niggles in the squad please! We already have Cacace and Dibley-Dias nursing injury niggles after the past week or of club commitments...

Smith has also missed recent club games for MK Dons

Les Léopards named their squad for the international window (they also play Angola in Portugal after the All Whites game).

GK:
- Lionel Mpasi (five caps, Rodez (French Ligue 2), started all nine games for them as they sit 6th)
- Dimitry Bertaud (uncapped, Montpellier (Ligue 1), no games this season or last but played eleven season before last)
- Baggio Siadi (four caps, TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

DF:
- Chancel Mbemba (CB, 70 caps, Marseille, played all 720 minutes across league/Europa League as they sit 12th)
- Dylan Batubinsika (CB, three caps, St Etienne (Ligue 2), played all 720 as they sit 7th)
- Rocky Bushiri (CB, one cap, Hibernian, played 261 out of 630 minutes as they sit 6th)
- Gedeon Kalulu (RB, four caps, Lorient (Ligue 1), played 551 out of 630 minutes as they sit 16th)
- Arthur Masuaku (LB, 17 caps, Besiktas, played 554 out of 720 minutes in the league/Conference League as they sit 4th)
- Joris Kayembe (LB, one cap, Genk (Belgian ProLeague), played 410 out of 810 minutes as they sit 6th)
- Brian Bayeye (RB, uncapped, Ascoli (Serie B), played 380 out of 720 minutes as they sit 14th)
- Inonga Baka (six caps, Simba (Tanzania))

MF:
- Samuel Moutoussamy (CM, 21 caps, Nantes (Ligue 1), played 201 out of 630 minutes as they sit 13th)
- William Balikwisha (CM, two caps, Standard (Belgian ProLeague), played 483 out of 810 minutes as they sit 12th)
- Gael Kakuta (AM, 17 caps, Amiens (Ligue 2), played 620 out of 810 minutes and scored two and assisted one as they sit 9th)
- Aaron Tshibola (CM, three caps, Hatta (UAE), played 242 out of 360 minutes as they sit last)
- Charles Pickel (CM, two caps, Cremonese (Serie B), played 223 out of 720 minutes as they sit 10th)
- Theo Bongonda (RM, seven caps, Spartak Moskva, played 662 out of 900 minutes and scored four and assisted one as they sit fifth)
- Edo Kayembe (DM, 16 caps, Watford (Championship), played 199 out of 810 minutes as they sit 20th)

FW:
- Cedric Bakambu (ST, 43 caps, 15 goals, Galatasaray, played 86 out of 630 minutes in the league (none in UCL) without scoring as they sit 2nd)
- Meschack Elia (CF, 30 caps, seven goals, Young Boys (Swiss Super League), played 802 out of 990 minutes, scoring two and assisting two across league/UCL as they sit 2nd)
- Ben Malango (ST, 21 caps, six goals, Qatar SC, played 392 out of 450 minutes, scoring two goals as they sit second last)
- Jackson Muleka (LW, twelve caps, one goal, Besiktas, played 409 out of 720 minutes without scoring in the league/Conference League as they sit 4th)
- Fiston Mayele (nine caps, two goals, Pyramids SC (Egypt), played 198 out of 360 minutes without scoring across CAF CL/league)
- Silas (RW, three caps, no goals, VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga), played 353 out of 540 minutes, scoring two and assisting one as they sit 2nd)
- Simon Banza (CF, uncapped, Braga (Liga Portugal), played 402 out of 630 minutes, scoring five and assisting one as they sit 5th)
- Grady Diangana (LW, uncapped, West Brom (Championship), played 165 out of 810 minutes without scoring as they sit 8th)

Pretty formidable squad, especially up top with Silas, who has been on form in Stuttgart's surprise start to the Bundesliga season and is absolutely rapid (I'd say their best player right now), Elia playing well in the Champions League/Swiss Super League and new recruit Banza who leads the goal-scoring in Portugal. Certainly better than the Socceroos in the attacking department, and arguably across the park apart from in goal. Will be by no means an 'easy' game to use to prepare to play against Australia.

carlind

Les Léopards named their squad for the international window (they also play Angola in Portugal after the All Whites game).

GK:
- Lionel Mpasi (five caps, Rodez (French Ligue 2), started all nine games for them as they sit 6th)
- Dimitry Bertaud (uncapped, Montpellier (Ligue 1), no games this season or last but played eleven season before last)
- Baggio Siadi (four caps, TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

DF:
- Chancel Mbemba (CB, 70 caps, Marseille, played all 720 minutes across league/Europa League as they sit 12th)
- Dylan Batubinsika (CB, three caps, St Etienne (Ligue 2), played all 720 as they sit 7th)
- Rocky Bushiri (CB, one cap, Hibernian, played 261 out of 630 minutes as they sit 6th)
- Gedeon Kalulu (RB, four caps, Lorient (Ligue 1), played 551 out of 630 minutes as they sit 16th)
- Arthur Masuaku (LB, 17 caps, Besiktas, played 554 out of 720 minutes in the league/Conference League as they sit 4th)
- Joris Kayembe (LB, one cap, Genk (Belgian ProLeague), played 410 out of 810 minutes as they sit 6th)
- Brian Bayeye (RB, uncapped, Ascoli (Serie B), played 380 out of 720 minutes as they sit 14th)
- Inonga Baka (six caps, Simba (Tanzania))

MF:
- Samuel Moutoussamy (CM, 21 caps, Nantes (Ligue 1), played 201 out of 630 minutes as they sit 13th)
- William Balikwisha (CM, two caps, Standard (Belgian ProLeague), played 483 out of 810 minutes as they sit 12th)
- Gael Kakuta (AM, 17 caps, Amiens (Ligue 2), played 620 out of 810 minutes and scored two and assisted one as they sit 9th)
- Aaron Tshibola (CM, three caps, Hatta (UAE), played 242 out of 360 minutes as they sit last)
- Charles Pickel (CM, two caps, Cremonese (Serie B), played 223 out of 720 minutes as they sit 10th)
- Theo Bongonda (RM, seven caps, Spartak Moskva, played 662 out of 900 minutes and scored four and assisted one as they sit fifth)
- Edo Kayembe (DM, 16 caps, Watford (Championship), played 199 out of 810 minutes as they sit 20th)

FW:
- Cedric Bakambu (ST, 43 caps, 15 goals, Galatasaray, played 86 out of 630 minutes in the league (none in UCL) without scoring as they sit 2nd)
- Meschack Elia (CF, 30 caps, seven goals, Young Boys (Swiss Super League), played 802 out of 990 minutes, scoring two and assisting two across league/UCL as they sit 2nd)
- Ben Malango (ST, 21 caps, six goals, Qatar SC, played 392 out of 450 minutes, scoring two goals as they sit second last)
- Jackson Muleka (LW, twelve caps, one goal, Besiktas, played 409 out of 720 minutes without scoring in the league/Conference League as they sit 4th)
- Fiston Mayele (nine caps, two goals, Pyramids SC (Egypt), played 198 out of 360 minutes without scoring across CAF CL/league)
- Silas (RW, three caps, no goals, VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga), played 353 out of 540 minutes, scoring two and assisting one as they sit 2nd)
- Simon Banza (CF, uncapped, Braga (Liga Portugal), played 402 out of 630 minutes, scoring five and assisting one as they sit 5th)
- Grady Diangana (LW, uncapped, West Brom (Championship), played 165 out of 810 minutes without scoring as they sit 8th)

Pretty formidable squad, especially up top with Silas, who has been on form in Stuttgart's surprise start to the Bundesliga season and is absolutely rapid (I'd say their best player right now), Elia playing well in the Champions League/Swiss Super League and new recruit Banza who leads the goal-scoring in Portugal. Certainly better than the Socceroos in the attacking department, and arguably across the park apart from in goal. Will be by no means an 'easy' game to use to prepare to play against Australia.

Woah I had no idea Grady Diangana had declared for DR Congo. He’s been very hot and cold since he sustained a back injury a few years ago, but he’s an absolutely electric player.

Nearly unplayable when he’s at his best, just needs a good run of form.

No Yoane Wissa (Brentford)?

Stamenic will come up against Elia this week in the UCL when Young Boys visit Belgrade.

Looks a better squad on the paper than the AWs for sure. Seems half of a first choice AWs starting 11 at the moment, are sitting on the bench for their clubs.

Sadly some tragic news out of Murcia (student city, Southern Spain) this week with a fatal fire in a local nightclub.

Originally posted in the players thread on Kiwi's Overseas because I'm a dumbass 😅

Congratulations to @Meeiix on his @NZ_Football call up👏

Max will represent his country but will miss no matches for the Brewers 🖤💛#BAFC https://t.co/Wq2tdTVnKI

— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) October 2, 2023

Unless they've got some pretty good connecting flights sorted then I'd have a guess that this pretty much counts him out of the DR Congo match?

DR Congo at 6pm 13th October in Spain ➡️ Fly out to the East Midlands Saturday morning ➡️ Join up with Burton Albion and  play Lincoln City 3pm ➡️ Down to London to join the rest of the squad for the Socceroos match.

Might be easier to just tell him he'll be starting against the Socceroos. Just looking at that arrangement makes my head hurt. 

I wouldn't mind seeing Tzanev getting a go against Congo. 
Seems that he's only out of the Dons (6th in L2) lineup, as Bass is playing very very well.

Crocombe only got his starting chance at Albion, because Blackman got injured. Such can be the fickle world of being a keeper.

Hopefully it's not Woud in goal in Murcia.

coochiee

I wouldn't mind seeing Tzanev getting a go against Congo. 
Seems that he's only out of the Dons (6th in L2) lineup, as Bass is playing very very well.

Crocombe only got his starting chance at Albion, because Blackman got injured. Such can be the fickle world of being a keeper.

Hopefully it's not Woud in goal in Murcia.

Burton Albion fans are a happy lot now that it's been announced Crocombe won't be missing any games over the International break. Firmly their #1 as long as he stays healthy and in form.

I think we'll get the likes of Tzanev, Bindon, Dibley-Dias, Kirwan & Wilkins starting against the DR Congo. The bigger fish of the two fixtures is a few days later in London. That is of course no disrespect to what looks to be a formidable DR Congo squad as well.

coochiee

I wouldn't mind seeing Tzanev getting a go against Congo. 
Seems that he's only out of the Dons (6th in L2) lineup, as Bass is playing very very well.

Crocombe only got his starting chance at Albion, because Blackman got injured. Such can be the fickle world of being a keeper.

Hopefully it's not Woud in goal in Murcia.

I'd love to see Tzanev (Dons) in a team with Smith (Fake Dons) :D

Smith maybe another squad withdrawl. He's now missed the last 4 MK Dons games. Though he played for the AWs against China earlier this year, in the midst of missing games for Colchester so who knows.

If he pulls out Kyle Adams maybe comes in. Jack Iredale (left sided FB/CB) would be a great replacement - even more so given Libby came off injured on the weekend - but sounds like his eligibility status is still being sorted out.

Or Bazeley is just happy with 4 CBs (Tuiloma, M Boxall, Pijnaker & Bindon), especially if goes 4 at the back. Added complication Tuiloma's Charlotte FC play Messi's Inter Miami in a catch up game, Oct 18th (day after Socceroos match).

Only a week to go, very excited for this one.

I think Woud has got to be the favourite to start given his two recent clean sheets in the Asian Champions League and that Tzanev isn't playing at all these days. 

I feel like Marco Rojas is a big loss for this window. He is easily our most effective wide(r) forward. Just is coming off an indifferent season in the Danish top flight and is back in the 2nd tier after relegation, which isn't a great level of football. Champness is only in the Turkish 2nd tier and hasn't exactly played a lot of football in recent times. Sure, Marco didn't play a lot in Chile but it seemed like he was effective whenever he did, and he was in sparkling form for the Victory before that. He was electric against Qatar and if he hadn't inexplicably missed a couple sitters I think he would be in this squad despite the fact he doesn't have a club. Hope he finds one soon. 

I'd be tempted to gamble on the wildcard that is Champness on the right and rely on Cacace to add attacking impetus on the left. If Champness isn't particularly effective then take him off, push Garbett further forward and slot young Dibley-Dias into midfield. 

Woud
Kirwan, Boxall, Bindon, Cacace
Garbett, Stamenic
Champness, Singh, McCowatt
Wood

Gather U-20 international goalkeeper Henry Gray is coming into the #AllWhites squad this month, with Max Crocombe set to remain at Burton Albion through their game this weekend and miss the DR Congo match, then linking up with NZ ahead of the Australia match https://t.co/1Gme6AWNaI

— Andrew Voerman (@andrewvoerman) October 8, 2023

Big loss to lose Crocombe for the first match against DR Congo, but bloody good stuff for the young lad. 👏

He likely won't see minutes, but it'll be good to get him in the environment. Big potential in the kid, and just quietly I thought he should have been given the gloves at the U20 World Cup as well...

I actually think Sims is a very promising keeper, blooper against from memory the USA at the U20 WC, aside

I’m guessing Sims will still be ahead of Gray in the pecking order, but his 3rd Swedish club Ljungskile is in a relegation dog fight and will play through the window. As the selection of Matt Gould for the AWs in 2021 & 2022 showed your no 3 GK can really just be whoever is available, they ain’t going to be playing. 

Olywhites Paris GK selections will be interesting 

On the way to our first session in 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/comDqtvMQI

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 9, 2023

First training ✅ pic.twitter.com/lccGwDfU97

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 9, 2023

🥇 First winning team at training 🥇 pic.twitter.com/kkTKvcwQmS

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 10, 2023

The Bulgarian Kiwi & the Brazilian Kiwi with UK accents. 
Fingers crossed Dibley-Dias enjoys himself in the AWs setup.

Are these games going to be on TV? Can't find any mention of them on either SKY or FIFA+.

bun1

Are these games going to be on TV? Can't find any mention of them on either SKY or FIFA+.

According this announcement all AWs & Ferns games will be on FIFA+

https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/133238?newsfeedId=1223399

This game has been confirmed for live streaming  on fifa plus.

bun1

Are these games going to be on TV? Can't find any mention of them on either SKY or FIFA+.

It is showing up on the Fifa + app for me under the 'upcoming live streams' section.

coochiee

The Bulgarian Kiwi & the Brazilian Kiwi with UK accents. 
Fingers crossed Dibley-Dias enjoys himself in the AWs setup.

Good to see Tzanev having a run with the AWs, he can't get a look in at AFCW right now

Sneak peek inside All Whites training in Spain 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/VMMdrifLVB

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 10, 2023

Final third. pic.twitter.com/7zLPg6ODyU

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 10, 2023

Is there likely to be commentary on the FIFA+ stream?

Does anyone who has experience with fifa+ know whether we can watch replays, or is it only available live? Just with kids and work I tend to have to go for the "keep my phone off all day, and squeeze in a viewing at odd hours whenever I can," strategy, when it comes to sports events I want to watch.

Can watch replys but only after then end of game! Not like sky where you can start from the beginning when the game is yet to be completed. At least that my experience with it, I maybe wrong.

Dibley-Dias has gone back to Fulham with a hamstring injury. Hope that isn't a cover story for him being so unimpressed with the All Whites setup that he decided he definitely didn't want to play for NZ after all.

We were already light on midfielders in the squad. Must be too late to call anybody else into the squad too. Garbett and Stamenic might need to do the full 180 mins 

Could Marley Leuluai or Corban Piper be a chance of a replacement call up?

watching_from_far

Can watch replys but only after then end of game! Not like sky where you can start from the beginning when the game is yet to be completed. At least that my experience with it, I maybe wrong.

Hey, thanks so much for taking the time to to me, mate. Really appreciate the insight. I'm not great with technology but comforting to know I can now find a two hour block somewhere this weekend to still be able to catch the game without having the result spoilt. All whites games are such a rarity, I'd hate to miss out. 

Will say with the new NZF/Fifa+ deal I will miss Spoons and Piney's enthusiasm in the commentary box.

Friar Tuck

Could Marley Leuluai or Corban Piper be a chance of a replacement call up?

SOS to Clayton Lewis would be most likely I would have thought.

To those suggesting nefarious reasons, please keep in mind he was injured after scoring his goal against West Brom in the PL2 the other week. He then missed the subsequent match against Leicester before joining up with the camp.

I don't know how keen Clayton will be to fly to England and back on short notice for only 1 game, the week before the start of his first league campaign for his new club. Can't be much chance of him getting to Spain in time to play against Doctor Congo 

imanixsupporter

I don't know how keen Clayton will be to fly to England and back on short notice for only 1 game, the week before the start of his first league campaign for his new club. Can't be much chance of him getting to Spain in time to play against Doctor Congo 

McCowatt has been playing deeper this year also in Denmark. Tuiloma at a pinch can play DM.

Olí Whyte is already in Europe or if the AWs were really desperate wouldn’t surprise if Joe Bell made himself available for the Socceroos game, even if just to sit on the pine.

Due to a hamstring injury suffered in training, midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias has had to leave the All Whites camp and return to his club for treatment. pic.twitter.com/C0IbRxnrhs

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 11, 2023

Unlike many FIFA windows seems the team has had a good solid 3-4 days together as a complete squad. Hopefully they look as good as they did in the first half against Qatar.

Starting 11 that game -
Crocombe
Tuiloma, Boxall, Pijnaker, Cacace
Bell, Garbett, Stamenic
Rojas, McCowatt, Mata

This time I'd go
Tzanev
Kirwan, Boxall, Bindon, Cacace
Stamenic, Garbett, McCowatt
Singh, Waine, Wood

With Dibley-Dias out, Bell not available and Garbett likely a bit short on fitness (only just returned from injury) I can see Tuiloma coming off the bench and slotting in as DM, or even going 3 CBs for last 30 odd mins. Tactical switch up with pacey Champoness coming on.

FYI - Congo are FIFA ranked 64, and Qatar 61. But I suspect those rankings are generous to the Qataris.

Keepers’ union 🧤 pic.twitter.com/cVtzsaPR4N

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 11, 2023

Here are the All Whites squad numbers for the games against DR Congo 🇨🇩 and Australia 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/vExnYeR3fw

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) October 11, 2023

Friar Tuck

Could Marley Leuluai or Corban Piper be a chance of a replacement call up?

Corban Piper would be a good call. 👍 

Rusty Dunks

Friar Tuck

Could Marley Leuluai or Corban Piper be a chance of a replacement call up?

Corban Piper would be a good call. 👍 

Folks criticise us for picking a player now from LOI (Pijinaker). Why would we bring in a guy with no international experience from a middling club in the Irish 2nd tier, so late in the piece.

I'm guessing Bazeley will just use the players he has now, and change formation if he has to, to cover the lack of midfielders. And/or try to twist Joe Bell's arm. Tuiloma & even Bindon (he's played RB for Reading so he's not a pure CB) could be makeshift DM options.

Piper should be a shout for the Olywhites in Paris though.

Would rather see Bevan Myer called up as his season has just ended to see how he has progressed. Not the right position obviously, but still.