33·Legends

Bwanga Tshimen vs Chancel Mbemba

DR Congo against DR Congo. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

BT

Bwanga Tshimen

DR Congo · 1973–74 · CB

Almanac rating
84
Rank in DR Congo
#4 of 33
Clubs
TP Mazembe

The French and African press of the early 1970s called him the Black Beckenbauer, and in 1973 he became one of the rare defenders voted African Footballer of the Year. He won the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations with Zaire, wore number 4 at that summer's World Cup in West Germany, gave sixteen seasons to TP Mazembe, and was later named DR Congo's player of the century by IFFHS. Career record: club career at TP Mazembe.

vs
CM

Chancel Mbemba

DR Congo · 1974–2025 · CB

Almanac rating
84
Rank in DR Congo
#5 of 33
Clubs
R.S.C. Anderlecht, Newcastle United

He marked his hundredth cap on 13 November 2025 with a stoppage-time winner against Cameroon, and three days later DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties and were on their way to a first World Cup since 1974. Record holder with 113 caps, best XI at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, two Primeira Liga titles and two cups at Porto, a Belgian championship with Anderlecht, and the 2023 Marc-Vivien Foé prize. Career record: club career at R.S.C. Anderlecht, Newcastle United.

The verdict

The almanac cannot separate them: both are rated 84.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

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