Le Roy Returns As Congo Targets First AFCONS Appearance Since 2015

Le Roy Returns As Congo Targets First AFCONS Appearance Since 2015

By Niyi Busari 

Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy has been appointed head coach of the Republic of Congo national team, marking a return to the role more than a decade after his first spell in charge, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 78-year-old was officially unveiled on Monday during a contract-signing ceremony at the Ministry of Sports, according to a statement released by the Congolese Football Federation. Le Roy's mandate will be to guide the Red Devils back to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), having failed to qualify for the last five editions of the continental tournament.

The appointment marks Le Roy’s first head coaching position since leaving Togo in 2021. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most experienced football managers, the Frenchman has coached several national teams across the continent, including Cameroon, DR Congo, Senegal, Ghana and Togo. He previously led Congo between 2013 and 2015.

During his first tenure, Le Roy guided the Red Devils to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, their best performance in the competition since 1974. His success on the continent also includes winning the AFCON title with Cameroon in 1988.

The federation announced that former Senegal international defender Omar Daf will serve as Le Roy’s assistant coach.

Congo's immediate focus will be qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The Red Devils have been drawn in a challenging qualifying group alongside Cameroon, Comoros and Namibia.

Despite his vast experience, Le Roy is not currently the oldest coach in international football. That distinction belongs to Curaçao manager Dick Advocaat, who is five months older than the Frenchman.