On Monday, June 22 2026, the Republic of Congo officially announced the arrival of Claude Le Roy as head of the national team, the Red Devils. In the presence of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Civic Education, the French coach put his signature, marking the start of a new chapter for Congolese football.
Claude Le Roy is no stranger to the African continent. Former coach of Cameroon, Senegal and several other national sides, he has built a reputation as a builder capable of turning modest squads into serious contenders. His résumé, highlighted by AFCON qualifications and runs to the knockout stages, makes him the ideal candidate for a country eager to reclaim football glory.
The signing ceremony, held in Brazzaville, gave the Congolese government the opportunity to reaffirm its intention to restore the national football team’s ‘noble standing.’ The sports minister said that the choice of Le Roy reflects a clear ambition: to place Congo among the competitive teams on the African and international stage.
Claude Le Roy’s mandate is straightforward: qualify the Red Devils for AFCON 2027 and give the Congolese people new reasons to dream. This mission comes at a time when football remains the main vehicle of national unity, capable of rallying millions of supporters behind a single flag.
Joining him, former Senegal international Oumar Daf will take up a role in the staff as assistant coach. A seasoned defender, Daf will bring his experience of African football and a complementary tactical perspective, thereby strengthening the credibility of the new technical duo.
For Cameroonian readers, Le Roy’s appointment carries a double significance. On one hand, it recalls Cameroon’s past successes under his guidance, reminding that the French talent has already harnessed the potential of Cameroonian football. On the other hand, it creates a new regional dynamic: Congo, now led by a familiar coach, could become a more formidable opponent in the qualifiers, prompting neighboring teams to reinvent themselves.
The coming months will be decisive. Le Roy will need to quickly identify local talent, instill collective discipline and prepare the squad for the challenges of the qualifying rounds. If the Red Devils manage to qualify, they will give the Congolese nation a breath of hope and, by extension, boost the visibility of Francophone football in Central Africa. The countdown to AFCON 2027 has begun, and Congo, under Claude Le Roy’s guidance, is preparing to write a new chapter.
