Hibs face losing Malonga longer as Congo qualify

Last updated : 20 November 2014 By Steve Forbes

Hibs face losing top goal scorer Dominique Malonga for up to a month, after his country, Congo, qualified for the African Nations Cup.

Malonga finally got his first cap, and handed only 8 minutes of play, during Congo's 1-0 win over Sudan.

Congo finished second in the group to South Africa, helping knock defending champions Nigeria out in the qualifying phase.

Hibs missed the 25-year-old in last Saturday's poor 0-0 home draw with Queen of the South, and now he is a doubt for Saturday's trip to Dumbarton, as he is only expected to arrive at East Mains today or Friday, just 24 hours before the match, having endured a 10,000 mile trip on numerous aeroplanes for just 8 minutes of action over two matches.

The African Nations Cup is played between January 17th and February 8th.

Depending on the progress of Congo in the competition, Malonga could possibly miss games against Falkirk, Cowdenbeath, Queen of the South and Raith Rovers in the Championship, as well as the Scottish Cup tie with Alloa.

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs clearly needed to add some much needed firpower to his forward line before this news, it looks like we will need to bolster further.....