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CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Diallo admits Congo put Senegal under pressure, Ngatsono targets quarter-finals
In a contest that had all the drama of a knockout tie, Congo came within minutes of pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament against defending champions Senegal. A fiercely fought 1-1 draw in their Group D opener on Tuesday left both sides still firmly in the hunt for a quarter-final place — but with very different emotions when the final whistle blew. Congo's Early Statement From the first whistle, Barthélémy Ngatsono's Congo refused to be overawed by the reputation of their opponents. Their aggression and organisation rattled Senegal, who found themselves second best in many early exchanges. The breakthrough came when Dechan Moussavou pounced in the first half, sending the Congolese bench into raptures and planting a seed of belief that an upset was on the cards. 'We're not totally satisfied,' Ngatsono admitted afterwards. 'We were close to victory, but football is unpredictable. A mistake cost us the equaliser. That said, we stood up to the African champions, and that remains a source of pride.' The lead galvanised Congo, who looked sharp in transition and committed in defence. For much of the first period, the African champions were chasing shadows. Senegal's Response Souleymane Diallo, known for his tactical adaptability, made five bold changes in the second half. The impact was immediate. Senegal began to find pockets of space, pressing higher and forcing Congo onto the back foot. 'It took us 25 to 30 minutes to set up. Congo put us under pressure, with a high pressing and a very well thought out strategy. They put us in difficulty,' Diallo conceded. With time running out, the champions found their lifeline. In the 82nd minute, Joseph Layousse delivered the equaliser that saved Senegal from an opening-day defeat and secured a valuable point. The Turning Point The game's momentum shift coincided with enforced changes in the Congolese line-up, including the departure of key player Japhet. Ngatsono was quick to clarify the nature of those substitutions. 'We didn't anticipate these changes. Unfortunately, this destabilized our defense. Some players lacked experience, but these are moments that make you progress,' he said. If Congo's changes weakened them, Senegal's bench made them stronger. 'Our bench made the difference,' Diallo noted. 'They are not just substitutes, they are key elements of our squad. Especially in defence, they brought stability and new energy when needed.' Group D Wide Open The result left Group D finely poised. In the day's later game, Sudan stunned Nigeria, shaking up the standings. Sudan top the group on goal difference, level on four points with Senegal. Congo, with two points from two draws, remain within touching distance, while Nigeria sit bottom with just one point and mounting pressure. Ngatsono remains upbeat about Congo's prospects. 'Senegal used all their experience to come back, but we showed that we deserve our place here. This draw keeps us alive. We are still aiming for the quarter-finals.' If Congo maintain the intensity and belief they showed here, Group D could yet produce another upset — and the underdogs might just have the final word.
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
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
