FIBA World Cup 2027 (Q): First mixed window for the DRC

The FIBA 2027 World Cup qualifiers started badly for the DRC. The Leopards recorded only one victory in their three matches played at the first window which took place in Dakar from February 26 to March 1. It was recorded against Madagascar (87-79), while the two big shocks expected against Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire turned into vinegar with two heavy defeats against the Elephants (96-59) and against the Lions (75-56). 

A decimated workforce
‎‎Among the problems noted among the Leopards during this first window, there is notably the poverty of the bench with a decimated workforce due to the absences of certain executives such as Christian Lutete. Note also the misshape of some players fresh from injuries such as Rolly Fula, the team’s appointed point scorer and who struggled to get into the rhythm after several months of inactivity. 
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‎And this aspect of things has impacted the management of the Leopards matches, which were caught up at the score each time they were ahead. The main coach, Michel Perrin, however wants to retain the positive side of things. 

“Of our squad from two years ago here in Dakar, only 4 players were present during this window. Half of the team was renewed and it wasn’t in two days that we were going to create chemistry. It was difficult to compete with teams that have been playing together for several years. We did the bare minimum, we must be happy about that. We know we have the potential to do better than that," 

he said. 

Catch up in July
‎Currently third in their group (4 points) behind Côte d'Ivoire (6 points) and Senegal (5 points), the Leopards will have to make up in July during the next window against the same opponents. The Congolese will have to maximize the victories in order to qualify for the group phase with 6 countries with a large number of points to hope to snatch one of the 5 qualifying African places for this 2027 World Cup.