Benik Afobe denied international debut after FA sent his paperwork to wrong Congo
FA chiefs sent striker's registration details to the WRONG Congo to deny him his bow
A PAPERWORK blunder from the Football Association has denied Benik Afobe from making his international debut.
The Bournemouth striker was picked by Democratic Republic of Congo, the country where his parents were born, and was set to make his bow against Guinea last week.
But bumbling FA officials sent the former England Under-21 star’s registration details to the Republic of Congo instead.
Afobe revealed: “Basically, the FA sent my paperwork to the wrong Congo.
“Transferring it took about 10 days and once Fifa had cleared their workload with all the internationals on around the world, it was the day after the World Cup qualifier against Guinea.”
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Republic of the Congo, the smaller neighbour of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a completely different country.
Nine English-based players are in the DRC squad, including the likes of Everton’s Yannick Bolasie, Norwich's Youssouf Mulumbu and Hull's Dieumerci Mbokani.
They, unlike their neighbours, have qualified for January's Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite missing out on his first appearance, and with the upcoming tournament in mind, Afobe insists the trip was not a total waste of time.
He added: “In order for me to get used to the squad and the conditions, it was worth making the trip and the team won 2-1.
“I was disappointed not to play at the time, but the main thing is returning to the club injury-free.
“Club always comes before country and right now, I want to be available for Bournemouth as much as possible.”
