Samba included in Congo squad

Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba is set to return to the Congo line-up for the first time in almost two years in a key Group 10 qualifier at home to Mali on Sunday.

The French-born centre-half has not played for the Congolese since a friendly with Mali in November 2006, turning down previous call-ups. However, he has been included in a 22-man squad for crucial game by coach Ivica Todorov.

Also returning to the fold is experienced midfielder Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien, who last played for the side four years ago. The 30-year-old has been based in Germany for the last decade and is now turning out for second division side Rot Weiss Essen.

Todorov is still awaiting clarity on the fitness of Chris Malonga, who suffered an injury last month while on duty for his French club, Nancy.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Daniel Massa (Diables Noirs), Barel Mouko (unattached)

Defenders: Kevin Andzouana (unattached), Bruce Abdoulaye (Clermont Foot, France), Christel Kimbembe (Cherbourg, France), Destin Makita (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Patrick Mouaya (Oberneuland, Germany), Francis Nganga (Grenoble, France), Christopher Samba (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders: Ladislas Douniama (Orleans, France), Rolf-Christel Guie-Mien (Rot-Weiss Essen, Germany), Franchel Ibara (Sochaux, France), Chris Malonga (Nancy, France), Devin Ndinga (Auxerre, France), Prince Oniangue (Stade Rennes, France), Oscar Ewolo (Lorient, France), Harris Tchilimbou (ASP Pointe-Noire), Denis Tsoumou (Niort, France)

Strikers: Willy Endzanga (Kawkab Marrakech, Morocco), Lys Mouithys (unattached), Burnel Okana (unattached), Fabrice Ondama (Creteil, France), Francky Sembolo (Oberneuland, Germany).