CONGO, who face Bafana Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the coming weeks, have been dealt a heavy blow with the decision of centre back Christopher Samba, pictured, to turn down a call-up for the two games.

The giant defender, who is one of the most expensive players in world football, is likely to announce the end of his international career.

He told Congo coach Claude le Roy that he is not available for the national team and is therefore not in the 25-man squad named yesterday for the Group A qualifiers against SA in Pointe Noire on October 11 and Polokwane four days later.

The 30-year-old Samba, born in France to Congolese parents, has had three high-profile moves in his career, each transfer worth more than R100-million.

Key midfielder Delvin Ndinga, who plays at Greek champions Olympiakos, returns to the squad after missing the wins over Nigeria and Sudan in the opening two group matches, because of injury.

The Congo squad:

GOALKEEPERS - Christoffer Mafoumbi, Chancel Massa, Pavelh Ndzila

DEFENDERS - Sagesse Babele, Marvin Baudry, Dimitri Bissiki, Arnold Bouka Moutou, Bernard Itoua Onanga, Grace Itoua, Boris Moubio, Francis Nganga, Igor Nganga,

MIDFIELDERS - Hardy Binguila, Julssy Boukama Kaya, Cesaire Gandze, Junior Makiesse, Delvin Ndinga, Prince Oniangue

FORWARDS - Kader Bidimbou, Thievy Bifouma, Fode Dore, Ladislas Douniama, Silvere Ganvoula, Kevin Koubemba and Franci Litsingi