Congo national football team
![]() | ||||
Nickname(s) | Ba Diabulu ya Mbwaki (The Red Devils) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Association | Kimvuka ya nkweso ya Kongo (KNK) | |||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | |||
Sub-confederation | UNIFFAC (Central Africa) | |||
Head coach | Isaac Ngata (Interim) | |||
Captain | Amour Loussoukou | |||
Most caps | Jonas Bahamboula Delvin N'Dinga (56) | |||
Top scorer | Thievy Bifouma (16) | |||
Home stadium | Stade ya mbanza Kintélé Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat | |||
FIFA code | CGO | |||
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FIFA ranking | ||||
Current | 118 ![]() | |||
Highest | 42 (September 2015) | |||
Lowest | 144 (September 2011) | |||
First international | ||||
![]() ![]() (Middle Congo; 1954)[2] | ||||
Biggest win | ||||
![]() ![]() (Congo; 28 March 1964) ![]() ![]() (Libreville, Gabon; 7 July 1976) | ||||
Biggest defeat | ||||
![]() ![]() (Antananarivo, Madagascar; 18 April 1960) | ||||
Africa Cup of Nations | ||||
Appearances | 7 (first in 1968) | |||
Best result | Champions (1972) | |||
Jordan International Tournament | ||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 1992) | |||
Best result | Fourth place (1992) |
The Congo national football team (Kikongo: Ekipe ya nkweso ya nsi ya Kongo) represents the Republic of the Congo in men's association football and is governed by the Congolese Football Federation. They have never qualified for the World Cup, but did win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1972. They also won the All-Africa Games football tournament in 1965. The team is also a member of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
History
[edit]The Congo national football team made its first ever appearance in February 1960 in a friendly against the Ivory Coast which they lost 4–2.[4] On 13 April, they defeated Reunion 4–1 in their first game to advance to the quarter-finals. In their quarter-final on 15 April, they defeated the Ivory Coast 3–2. On 17 April, they lost 5–4 to Cameroon and were beaten 8–1 by the host Madagascar in the third-place play-off on 19 April.
In April 1963 they entered another L'Amitié competition, this time in Senegal, and were drawn in a group with Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mauritania. They lost their opener 2–0 to Tunisia on 13 April but beat the Ivory Coast 3–2 the next day. On 15 April they beat their neighbour Congo Kinshasa 2–1, and then Mauritania 11–0 two days later, but did not advance to the next round.
In July 1965 the Congo held the 1965 All-Africa Games and were drawn in a group with Mali, Uganda and Togo. They drew 1–1 with Mali on 18 July and beat Uganda 2–1 the next day. On 21 July they drew 1–1 against Togo but advanced through to the semi-finals, where they beat the Ivory Coast 1–0 on 23 July. On 25 July the Congo drew 0–0 versus Mali in the final, but won the tournament by having won ten corners in the final compared to Mali's one.
On 11 January 1967 the Congo played their first non-African opposition, defeating Romania 1–0 in a home friendly. On 19 February 1967 the Congo travelled to Tunisia for their first ever African Cup of Nations qualifier, drawing 1–1. On 2 August 1967 they hosted a qualifier against Cameroon, and defeated them 2–1 to top their qualifying group and advance to their first finals.
The finals were held in Ethiopia in January 1968 and the Congo were drawn in a group with their neighbour Zaire, Senegal and Ghana. They lost the opener to Zaire 3–0 on 12 January and two days later lost 2–1 to Senegal. On 16 January the Congo were defeated 3–1 by Ghana and were knocked out.
The Congo hosted a friendly against Romania for the second successive year on 16 June 1968 and won 4–2. On 30 July 1968 they played their first ever South American opposition, losing a home friendly 2–0 to Brazil.
In 1972, the Congo won their only African Cup of Nations title. Congo defeated host Cameroon in the semi-final 1–0 before beating Mali 3–2 to claim the championship. On that squad was arguably Congo's most famous player, François M'Pelé, who starred for PSG in the 1970s.
In qualification for the 1998 World Cup, the Congo came within a win of qualifying for the final tournament. However, after home wins over Zambia, DR Congo and South Africa, Congo lost their final match 1–0 away to South Africa and was eliminated.
Results and fixtures
[edit]The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2023
[edit]10 September 2023 AFCON qualification | Gambia ![]() | 2–2 | ![]() | Marrakesh, Morocco |
20:00 UTC+1 | Report | Stadium: Stade de Marrakech Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt) |
17 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Zambia ![]() | 4–2 | ![]() | Ndola, Zambia |
18:00 UTC+2 | Report |
|
Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt) |
2024
[edit]25 March Friendly | Gabon ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Chambly, France |
20:30 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Stade des Marais |
6 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Congo ![]() | 0–3 Awarded[a] | ![]() | Kinshasa, DR Congo |
17:00 UTC+1 | Report | Stadium: Stade des Martyrs |
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Congo ![]() | 0–6 | ![]() | Agadir, Morocco |
17:00 UTC+1 | Report | Stadium: Adrar Stadium Attendance: 30,000 Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana) |
5 September 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Congo ![]() | v | ![]() | Brazzaville, Congo |
17:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat |
8 September 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Uganda ![]() | v | ![]() | Kampala, Uganda |
19:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mandela National Stadium |
6 October 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | South Africa ![]() | v | ![]() | |
--:-- |
14 October 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Congo ![]() | v | ![]() | Brazzaville, Congo |
--:-- | Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat |
10 November 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | South Sudan ![]() | v | ![]() | Juba, South Sudan |
--:-- | Stadium: Juba Stadium |
18 November 2024 2025 AFCON qualification | Congo ![]() | v | ![]() | Brazzaville, Congo |
--:-- | Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat |
2025
[edit]March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Tanzania ![]() | v | ![]() | TBD, Tanzania |
March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Congo ![]() | v | ![]() | TBD, Congo |
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Congo ![]() | v | ![]() | TBD, Congo |
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Congo ![]() | v | ![]() | TBD, Congo |
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Niger ![]() | v | ![]() | TBD, Niger |
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Morocco ![]() | v | ![]() | TBD, Morocco |
Coaches
[edit]Paul Ebondzibato (1962–1964)
Vasily Sokolov (1964–1965)
Paul Ebondzibato (1965–1970)
Adolphe Bibanzoulou (1970–1973)
Robert Ndoudi (1973–1974)
Cicerone Manolache (1974–1976)
Zoran Ristić (1984)
Yvon Goujon (1986–1987)
Noël Minga (1992–1993)
David Mémy (1997–1998)
Alain Nestor Ngouinda (1998–1999)
David Mémy (1999–2000)
Camille Ngakosso (2000)
Gaston Tchangana (2001)
Noël Minga (2001)
Eugen Moldovan (2001–2002)
Alain Nestor Ngouinda (2002)
Claude Andrey (2002–2003)
Tahseen Jabbary (2002–2003)
Jean-Paul Bernard (2003)
Michel Hidalgo (2004)
Christian Létard (2004–2005)
Gaston Tchangana (2005–2006)
Noël Tosi (2006–2007)
Gaston Tchangana (2007–2008)
Ivica Todorov (2008–2010)
Robert Corfou (2010–2011)
Camille Ngakosso (2011)
Jean-Guy Wallemme (2011–2012)
Kamel Djabour (2012–13)
Claude Le Roy (2013–15)
Pierre Lechantre (2016)
Barthélémy Ngatsono (2016–17)
Sébastien Migné (2017–18)
Valdo Filho (2018–2021)
Paul Put (2021–2023)
Isaac Ngata (2023-present)
Players
[edit]Current squad
[edit]The following players were called-up for the 2025 AFCO qualification matches against South Sudan and Uganda on 5 and 8 September 2024 respectively.[6]
Caps and goals are correct as of 12 June 2024, after the match against Morocco.[7]
Recent call-ups
[edit]The following players were called up for Congo in the last 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Trey Vimalin | 28 January 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Melvin Douniama | 26 February 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Cristophe Wamba | 16 September 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Wolfrigon Mongondza | 8 April 1990 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Ravy Tsouka | 23 December 1994 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Vladis-Emmerson Illoy-Ayyet | 7 October 1995 | 3 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Loick Ayina | 20 April 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Mark Mampassi | 12 March 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Erving Botaka | 5 November 1998 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Brayann Pereira | 21 May 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Julfin Ondongo | 28 March 1997 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Bradley Mazikou | 2 June 1996 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Durel Avounou | 25 September 1997 | 23 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Gaius Makouta | 25 July 1997 | 20 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Tsomou Likibi | 24 January 1987 | 2 | 1 | Unknown | v. ![]() |
MF | Dylan Bahamboula | 22 May 1995 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Thievy Bifouma | 13 May 1992 | 41 | 16 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Jason Bahamboula | 15 June 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Alain Ipiélé | 20 August 1997 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Inno Loemba | 4 August 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Christopher Ibayi | 18 July 1995 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Domi Massoumou | 4 June 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
|
Records
[edit]- As of 11 June 2024[8]
- Players in bold are still active with Congo.
Most appearances
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Locomotiv-Terec_%286%29.jpg/175px-Locomotiv-Terec_%286%29.jpg)
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jonas Bahamboula | 56 | 13 | 1969–1982 |
Delvin N'Dinga | 56 | 1 | 2008–2021 | |
3 | Destin Makita | 55 | 1 | 2001–2013 |
4 | Barel Mouko | 51 | 1 | 2004–2018 |
5 | Magnoléké Bissiki | 45 | 0 | 2012–2021 |
6 | Oscar Ewolo | 44 | 2 | 2000–2013 |
7 | Prince Oniangué | 43 | 8 | 2008–2019 |
8 | Thievy Bifouma | 41 | 16 | 2014–present |
Francis N'Ganga | 41 | 3 | 2008–2017 | |
10 | Brice Samba | 38 | 0 | 1990–2001 |
Top goalscorers
[edit]Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Thievy Bifouma | 16 | 41 | 0.39 | 2014–present |
2 | Jonas Bahamboula | 13 | 56 | 0.23 | 1969–1982 |
3 | François M'Pelé | 12 | 29 | 0.41 | 1971–1978 |
4 | Paul Moukila | 11 | 31 | 0.35 | 1970–1978 |
5 | Anges Ngapy | 10 | 33 | 0.3 | 1984–1993 |
Férébory Doré | 10 | 37 | 0.27 | 2010–2017 | |
7 | Jean-Jacques N'Domba | 8 | 35 | 0.23 | 1974–1992 |
Prince Oniangué | 8 | 43 | 0.19 | 2008–2019 | |
9 | Kader Bidimbou | 5 | 13 | 0.38 | 2014–present |
Guy Mbenza | 5 | 21 | 0.24 | 2017–present | |
Silvère Ganvoula | 5 | 23 | 0.22 | 2014–present | |
Rolf-Christel Guié-Mien | 5 | 25 | 0.2 | 1996–2008 | |
Hardy Binguila | 5 | 29 | 0.17 | 2013–present | |
Fabrice Ondama | 5 | 37 | 0.14 | 2006–2017 |
Competition records
[edit]FIFA World Cup
[edit]FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1930 to 1958 | Part of ![]() |
Part of ![]() | |||||||||||||
as ![]() | |||||||||||||||
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Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||
![]() |
Entry not accepted by FIFA | Entry not accepted by FIFA | |||||||||||||
as ![]() | |||||||||||||||
![]() |
Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
![]() |
Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||
![]() |
4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 5 | |||||||||
![]() |
Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
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![]() | |||||||||||||||
as ![]() | |||||||||||||||
![]() |
Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | ||||||||
![]() |
8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 6 | |||||||||
![]() ![]() |
10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 17 | |||||||||
![]() |
12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 12 | 15 | |||||||||
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6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | |||||||||
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8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 4 | |||||||||
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8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 16 | |||||||||
![]() |
6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 10 | |||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
To be determined | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 10 | ||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
To be determined | ||||||||||||||
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Total | 0/15 | 70 | 21 | 16 | 33 | 81 | 98 |
Africa Cup of Nations
[edit]Africa Cup of Nations record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
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Part of ![]() | |||||||
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Played as ![]() | ||||||||
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Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||
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Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Played as ![]() | ||||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
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Winners | 1st | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 5 |
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Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 10 |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Did not enter | |||||||
Played as ![]() | ||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 5th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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![]() ![]() |
Group stage | 11th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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Quarter-finals | 5th | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
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Did not qualify | |||||||
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To be determined | |||||||
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Total | 1 Title | 7/34 | 26 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 27 | 37 |
African Games
[edit]African Games record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Result | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
![]() |
Gold | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 5 | |
![]() |
6th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 8 | |
Total | 2/4 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 13 |
Achievements
[edit]Continental
[edit]- Africa Cup of Nations
- Winners: 1972
- Football at the African Games
Gold medalists: 1965
Regional
[edit]- CEMAC Cup:
- Winners: 2007
- UDEAC Championship:
- Winners: 1990
Notes
[edit]- ^ Niger were awarded a 3–0 victory by forfeit after Congo refused to travel to DR Congo for their home match on 6 June, insisting that they play in Brazzaville.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 18 July 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "World Football Elo Ratings". www.eloratings.net. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
- ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ "Congo (Brazzaville) - List of International Matches". RSSSF. Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. 23 December 2013. Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
CGO_NIG
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1032664435534328&set=a.542818184518958 [bare URL]
- ^ "Congo vs. Marocco - 11 giugno 2024 - Soccerway".
- ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Congo-Brazzaville – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)