Latest news with #CongoleseFootballFederation
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ngatsono returns to helm as Congo names new coaching staff for CHAN
Published: Friday, 27 June 2025 Barthélémy Ngatsono has been named head coach of Congo's A' national team as the country prepares for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a major technical overhaul by the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT). Ngatsono's appointment marks a return to national duty for the seasoned tactician, who previously led the senior Red Devils and now steps into a pivotal role as Congo eye their fifth appearance at the CHAN finals. He will be supported by assistant coach Cédric Nanitelamio, both of whom recently earned CAF A coaching licenses, aligning Congo's ambitions with continental standards. The decision by FECOFOOT to completely revamp the coaching structure—retaining only physical trainer Éric Moukouyou from the previous setup—underscores a desire to reset and re-energize the team's prospects ahead of the tournament in East Africa this August. The 2024 CHAN will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 2–30 August under the 'Pamoja East Africa' initiative. Congo has been drawn into Group D, widely considered the competition's 'group of death,' featuring reigning champions Senegal, West African giants Nigeria, and Sudan. Despite the former technical team having guided the Red Devils A' to qualification, FECOFOOT's leadership opted for experience and freshness, signaling a shift toward tactical discipline and renewed intensity. Ngatsono's knowledge of the local game and history with the national side are expected to provide much-needed direction and confidence. The appointment also comes at a time when African federations are placing increasing trust in homegrown coaching talents. With both Ngatsono and Nanitelamio products of CAF's elite licensing programme, Congo joins a growing list of nations backing local expertise to compete at the highest level of continental football. CHAN 2024 is exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in domestic leagues, offering a critical platform for unearthing hidden talent and strengthening national league development. For Congo, the pressure is on to progress from the group stages—a feat they've managed just once since their CHAN debut in 2014. With a revamped technical crew and seasoned leadership, Congo's Red Devils A' are aiming to not just participate, but to make a bold statement on the continental stage. Full Red Devils A' Technical Staff: Head Coach : Barthélémy Ngatsono Assistant Coach : Cédric Nanitelamio Physical Trainer : Éric Moukouyou Goalkeeping Coach : Narcisse Bakoua Team Doctor : Auguste Ndoki Physiotherapist : Kevin Yembangoye Steward : Aimé Bopiel Media Officer: Ruffin Louemba
Ya Biladi
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
2026 World Cup : Congo reinstated by FIFA, joins Morocco's group for qualifiers
The national team of Congo-Brazzaville will now be able to participate in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup following the lifting of the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) by FIFA. The decision was announced on Wednesday, May 14, by the FIFA Council Bureau after the required conditions were met. These included «the full restitution of control over the FECOFOOT headquarters, the Ignié technical center, and other federation facilities to the FECOFOOT executive committee, led by Mr. Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas and his administration», according to the organization. Congo has been placed in Group F with Morocco and four other teams, including Zambia, Tanzania, and Niger. In February, FIFA had suspended FECOFOOT's membership «until further notice» due to «third-party interference» in its management. This suspension effectively barred Congo from participating in international competitions, including the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The controversy stemmed from the Congolese Minister of Sports, Hugues Ngouélondélé, establishing an ad hoc committee to manage FECOFOOT's affairs. This followed an extraordinary general assembly held in September 2024 by members seeking to remove federation president Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas.
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
FIFA Lifts Suspension on Congo
Congo will take part in next month's World Cup qualifiers after FIFA lifted its suspension of the country's football federation. World football's governing body confirmed on Wednesday its decision to reinstate the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT). The decision means the federation's executive committee, led by Jean-Guy Blaise Mayolas, will regain full control of the organisation's operations and headquarters. The news comes after a period of uncertainty triggered by alleged third-party interference in the running of the federation, grounds FIFA often cites for imposing suspensions. Congo are due to face Niger and Morocco in June as part of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. The team sits fifth in Group E, having played only one match so far. Morocco lead the group with two wins from two. FIFA said in a statement: 'The conditions set by the Bureau of the FIFA Council for lifting the suspension have been met. Consequently, the Congolese Football Federation regains all its membership rights with immediate effect.' This is not the first time a FIFA member has been sanctioned over governance issues. In 2022, Zimbabwe was suspended following government interference in its national football body. Sierra Leone also faced similar action in 2018 due to internal leadership disputes. Under FIFA statutes, all member associations are required to manage their affairs independently and without influence from third parties. The lifting of the ban means Congo can resume their qualifying fixtures without sanction, avoiding the risk of match forfeitures. It also allows the country to re-engage with continental and international football, including club competitions and development programs. Congo's next match is scheduled for June 6 against Niger. They will then travel to face Morocco five days later. Both fixtures will be pivotal as the team looks to re-establish itself in the group. The federation has yet to comment publicly. Tags: CAFCongoFIFAMoroccoWorld Cup Qualifiers
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Central African Republic U20 profile: Underdogs with a point to prove in Egypt
The Central African Republic will return to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a sense of unfinished business and growing confidence. After reaching the quarter-finals in 2021 and participating again in 2023, the Fauves U20 are determined to build on past experiences and surprise the continent once again. Grouped in a tough Pool C alongside reigning champions Senegal, four-time winners Ghana and an ambitious DR Congo side, the Central Africans are considered outsiders. But with a blend of resilience, emerging talent, and a fearless approach, they are preparing to defy expectations. Their route to the finals was unconventional. After finishing as semi-finalists in the 2024 UNIFFAC qualifiers, they earned their spot following the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation. Now, under the guidance of coach Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye, the CAR U20s are eager to make the most of this opportunity on African football's youth stage. Full profile is below: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC The Central African Republic will be one of the attractions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON. The Central African country, whose age-group teams are increasingly asserting themselves on the continental scene, will present themselves with the firm ambition of creating a surprise. HOW THEY QUALIFIED The Central African Republic qualified following the suspension of the Congolese Football Federation by FIFA for state interference in the country's football activities. Finalists of the UNIFFAC U-20 Tournament, which they hosted from September 24 to October 3, 2024, the U-20 Red Devils were to represent the UNIFFAC zone alongside the DRC, winner of the qualifiers. But their suspension benefits the Central Africans whom they had beaten in the semi-finals of the qualifiers. Housed in Pool A, the Fauves U-20 will play alongside Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON The Central African Republic discovered the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 during the edition held in Mauritania. It was a historic qualification since this team, coached by Sébastien Ngato, became the very first Central African team to represent the country in the finals of an Africa Cup of Nations. For a first participation, the Central African Juniors did not disappoint, as they reached the quarter-final stage. The team will qualify for a second consecutive edition in 2023 in Egypt but will not go further than the group stage. By presenting itself this year in a third consecutive edition, the country will try to build on its previous experiences to improve its results. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Bercier Eddy Jores Mbaigoto - Captain of the Central African Republic U-20 team, Bercier Eddy Jores Mbaigato (18 years old) has established himself as a key part of the team during the UNIFFAC Tournament. His goal in the 2-1 win over Gabon was one of the biggest sensations of this competition played in Brazzaville, Congo. Serge Nestor Cherubin Kondja - FC SOS striker in CAR, Serge Nestor Cherubin Kondja (19 years old) is the boss of the Central African attack. He has exceptional technical qualities and also knows how to be effective in front of goal. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Appointed head of the Central African Republic's U-20 team in July 2024, replacing Sébastien Ngato who was promoted to the senior team, Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye will have the heavy responsibility of leading the Central African Juniors to this continental event. The 42-year-old former Congolese defender (19 caps) is a former professional footballer who has negotiated most of his career in France (Grenoble, Clermont, US Orléans, FC Metz) Since his reconversion as a coach in 2014, he has officiated at the head of several clubs in France (Louhans-Cuiseaux, Villefranche Beaujolais II, Bourg Sud, Tarbes PF) but also as coach of the RCA A' team, before being entrusted with this new responsibility in July 2024. Owner of a football academy in France, Bruce Stéphane Abdoulaye is a fan of the seductive game. If his style can vary depending on the opposition opposite, he nevertheless relies on a rigorous organization, to ensure balance and efficiency to his team. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS CAR will play in Group C alongside Senegal, a talented and balanced team, the title holders will be among the favourites for the first place in the group. Their talent and technical strength make them a formidable opponent. Ghana are a true powerhouse of young African football, and have a technically talented and physically imposing team. The Black Satellites will be one of the group's biggest challenges. Democratic Republic of Congo are a technically sound team with great ambition and good momentum, DR Congo could represent a real threat in the group.
