Latest news with #BarthélémyNgatsono
CAF
06-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Congo coach Ngatsono hails growing competitiveness of TotalEnergies CAF CHAN
Following Congo's opening draw against Sudan at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, head coach Barthélémy Ngatsono has hailed the tournament's growing level of competitiveness and professionalism. Ngatsono watched his side rally to secure a hard-fought point in a tightly contested encounter, which he believes showcased the elevated standard of the continental showpiece. 'It was a good game. It was quite balanced between two sides that wanted maximum points,' the coach said post-match. 'The Sudanese had a good first half, but my players showed character today and fought hard to earn this point.' While content with the result, Ngatsono was especially complimentary of the tournament's organization and the technical level of competition being displayed so far in East Africa. 'I must say congratulations to the organizers and organizing nations. The tournament is growing and matches are becoming more technical. The facilities and everything makes the matches very competitive,' he noted. 'In football there are three results, winning, losing and a draw, and I'm very happy to get that one point. As everyone saw today, the teams are very prepared.' Ngatsono added that Congo will take key lessons from the game, and immediately turn their focus to their next challenge, a crucial Group C clash against defending champions Senegal in August. 'We now focus all our attention on the game against Senegal. I must say kudos to Sudan as well, but we will learn from this game and come back better.'
CAF
01-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Congo team profile
Congo's Red Devils return to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with hopes of surpassing their previous best performances. After reaching the quarter-finals in 2018 and 2020, the team, led by head coach Barthélémy Ngatsono, is eager to take the next step and establish themselves among Africa's elite. Factfile Nickname : The Red Devils : The Red Devils Number of Appearances : 5 (2014, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024) : 5 (2014, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024) Best Performance: Quarter-finals (2018, 2020) How They Qualified Congo overcame Equatorial Guinea in a tightly contested qualification series. After a 0-0 draw away, they secured a crucial 2-1 victory at home to book their place in the tournament. Player to Watch Chelcy Bonazebi: The Red Star goalkeeper stands out for his towering presence at 1.97m and exceptional reflexes. Known for his commanding aerial ability and excellent game reading, Bonazebi has been a stabilizing force in Congo's defense. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to organize the backline will be vital to the team's success. Coach: Barthélémy Ngatsono Ngatsono has built a reputation for his tactical astuteness and ability to adapt to different opponents. His balanced approach combines defensive organization with quick transitions to exploit opportunities. With a strong emphasis on physical preparation and discipline, he ensures his team is ready for the demands of top-le vel competition. What to Expect Congo aims to break their quarter-final ceiling in this year's CHAN. Armed with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the Red Devils are well-positioned to make a deep run. Their tactical flexibility and strong preparation suggest a team ready to compete with the best. Fan Zone Did you know? If Congo reaches the semi-finals this year, it will mark their best-ever performance in CHAN history.
CAF
27-06-2025
- 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
