Disappointment for several players of Congolese descent following the release of the official rosters submitted to UEFA by European clubs.
In the Champions League, central defender Willy Kambwala, recently loaned from Villarreal, is not included in the squad selected by Como and will have to settle for Serie A matches.
In the Europa Conference League, young midfielder Jorthy Mokio was also left off Ajax Amsterdam’s roster for the group stage, despite his standout performances in the qualifying rounds.
The situation is just as disheartening in the Europa League for two other promising players. Held back at AC Milan after his transfer fell through during the summer transfer window, 22-year-old midfielder Warren Bondo was, quite understandably, left out of the Lombard club’s lineup.
Axel Kayombo faced a similar fate in Austria; despite having taken part in the Champions League playoffs with Sturm Graz, the young player was not registered to compete in the Europa League.
While these absences represent a temporary setback in their continental campaigns, the door is not completely closed for them.
UEFA regulations allow each qualified club to re-register up to three new players before the start of the knockout stage, thus offering an opportunity to make up for lost ground in the second half of the season.
