BENIK Afobe could finally launch his international career when DR Congo travel to Cameroon for a friendly on January 4.

The Cherries striker was denied the chance to make his debut for the country earlier this month, after an administrative mix-up resulted in the necessary documents being mistakenly sent to neighbouring Republic of Congo.

But the paperwork has now been completed to allow London-born Afobe to represent his parents' homeland.

Eddie Howe can now expect to be without the 23-year-old for a significant period of time in the new year, with DR Congo set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The two-times winners get their campaign underway against Morocco on January 16, with the final of the Gabon-hosted tournament scheduled to take place on February 5.