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Bournemouth star missed World Cup qualifier after FA sent paperwork to 'the wrong Congo'

Benik Afobe has revealed he was prevented from taking part in the latest round of international fixtures.

BENIK AFOBE HAS revealed he was prevented from taking part in the latest round of international fixtures as the Football Association sent his paperwork “to the wrong Congo”.

The Bournemouth striker represented England at youth level, earning two caps for the U21 squad.

He has, however, opted to switch allegiance, as he qualifies to represent DR Congo through his parents.

The 23-year-old had been hoping to make his bow in a meeting with Guinea during the recent break from domestic duty.

Afobe was left frustrated in his efforts, though, by an administrative error on the part of English football’s governing body.

He told BBC Radio Solent: “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.

“But, 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.”

Afobe is hoping he can force his way into the Congo reckoning in time to take part at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in January.

He has struggled for form domestically this season, having failed to find the target for Bournemouth.

The Cherries have handed him just 129 minutes of Premier League football in eight substitute appearances, though, and the former Arsenal academy graduate may have to use tournament football as a means of playing his way back into favour.

Congo have been drawn in Group C at the Africa Cup of Nations and are due to face Ivory Coast, Togo and Morocco at the finals in Gabon.

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