Claude Le Roy Returns as Coach of the Republic of Congo

Brazzaville – 22.06.2026: Claude Le Roy, the 78-year-old French football coach, returns to the bench of the Republic of Congo national team after a five-year break. The experienced coach, who previously led the “Diables Rouges” from 2013 to 2015, was officially presented as the new national coach on June 9, 2026. The government of the Republic of Congo announced the appointment in an official communiqué. The contract signing took place on June 22, 2026, in Brazzaville, accompanied by Sports Minister Hugues Ngouélondélé. Le Roy will be supported by Omar Daf, the former Senegalese national player, who takes on the role of assistant coach.

Le Roy’s return marks the beginning of a new chapter in Congolese football. The goal is to lead the national team to the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. In qualification group G, the “Diables Rouges” face tough competition from Cameroon, Comoros, and Namibia. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the tournament.

The Frenchman has an impressive career in African football. In addition to the Republic of Congo, he has coached in Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Togo. His extensive experience and knowledge of continental football are now expected to help bring the Republic of Congo team back on track for success.

The Congolese national team aims to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations with Le Roy’s return. Their last participation was in 2015, also during his tenure. His renewed appointment is seen by many as a sign of hope for the country’s sporting future.

The key to success is considered to be the cooperation between Le Roy and his assistant Omar Daf. Daf previously worked as a coach in France and brings valuable European experience. Together, they aim to build a team that is competitive on both national and continental levels.

The football community of the Republic of Congo now looks forward with anticipation to the coming months, during which the first successes under the experienced duo’s leadership will be crucial. The preparation and first qualification matches will set the course for success at the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

With Le Roy’s return as national coach, Congolese football hopes for new impulses and a revival of enthusiasm for the sport in the country. His experience in Africa and the support of Omar Daf should form the team into a strong unit that can once again play an important role on the continent.