DR Congo name World Cup squad: Four Premier League players and Gael Kakuta included

DR Congo beat Jamaica in a play-off in March to book their spot at the World Cup. Simon Barber/Getty Images Share articleFour Premier League players have been named in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the World Cup. Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Burnley defender Axel Tuanzabe and Noah Sadiki of Sunderland have been selected in Sebastien Desabre’s 26-man squad. Arthur Masuaka, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lens from Sunderland, and Watford’s Edo Kayembe have also been included. Former Chelsea prospect Gael Kakuta, 34, has been called up despite not featuring in the March squad which beat Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental World Cup play-off, securing DR Congo’s place at the tournament. After that victory, Desabre’s side were placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. DR Congo have not played at the World Cup since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire. They have twice been African champions, though have only reached the semi-finals twice this century. At the last Africa Cup of Nations, around the turn of the year, a DR Congo fan — known as Lumumba Vea — went viral for his eye-catching support of the team in the stands in Morocco. Vea wore suits, often colourful, and held a statuesque pose with one arm raised for entire matches. He was not able to attend their play-off in Mexico due to visa issues, but will hope to support his country later this summer. DR Congo reached the round-of-16 stage of that tournament, before losing 1-0 to Algeria. On Sunday, though, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared “a public health emergency of international concern” due to the latest outbreak of the Ebola virus in DR Congo, as well as Uganda. WHO said that there had been 80 suspected deaths in the Ituri province of DR Congo, which borders Uganda to the east, as of Saturday, and that it was to convene an emergency committee to discuss further steps. Goalkeepers: Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege), Timothy Fayulu (Noah), Lionel ‌Mpasi (Le Havre). Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Larisa), Rocky ⁠Bushiri (Hibernian), Gedeon Kalulu (Aris Limassol), Steve Kapuadi (Widzew Lodz), Joris Kayembe (Racing Genk), Arthur ⁠Masuaku (Racing Lens), Chancel Mbemba (Lille), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United). Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow), Brian Cipenga (Castellon), Meshack ‌Elia (Alanyaspor), Gael Kakuta (Larisa), Edo ​Kayembe (Watford), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos), Ngal’ayel ‌Mukau (Lille), Charles Pickel (Espanyol), Noah Sadiki (Sunderland). Forwards: Cedric ​Bakambu (Real Betis), Simon Banza (Al Jazira), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United). Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms