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Congo national football team

(Redirected from Republic of the Congo national football team)
Not to be confused with DR Congo national football team.
This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Congo women's national football team.

The Congo national football team (Kikongo: Ekipe ya nkweso ya nsi ya Kongo) represents the Republic of the Congo in men's association football and is governed by the Congolese Football Federation. They have never qualified for the World Cup, but did win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1972. They also won the All-Africa Games football tournament in 1965. The team is also a member of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Congo
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Ba Diabulu ya Mbwaki
(The Red Devils)
AssociationKimvuka ya nkweso ya Kongo (KNK)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationUNIFFAC (Central Africa)
Head coachIsaac Ngata (Interim)
CaptainAmour Loussoukou
Most capsJonas Bahamboula
Delvin N'Dinga (56)
Top scorerThievy Bifouma (16)
Home stadiumStade ya mbanza Kintélé
Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
FIFA codeCGO
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 117 Increase 1 (19 September 2024)[1]
Highest42 (September 2015)
Lowest144 (September 2011)
First international
France French Congo 5–1 Cameroon France
(Middle Congo; 1954)[2]
Biggest win
 Congo 11–0 Chad 
(Congo; 28 March 1964)
 Congo 11–0 São Tomé and Príncipe 
(Libreville, Gabon; 7 July 1976)
Biggest defeat
 Malagasy Republic 8–1 Congo 
(Antananarivo, Madagascar; 18 April 1960)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances7 (first in 1968)
Best resultChampions (1972)
Jordan International Tournament
Appearances1 (first in 1992)
Best resultFourth place (1992)

History

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The Congo national football team made its first ever appearance in February 1960 in a friendly against the Ivory Coast which they lost 4–2.[4] On 13 April, they defeated Reunion 4–1 in their first game to advance to the quarter-finals. In their quarter-final on 15 April, they defeated the Ivory Coast 3–2. On 17 April, they lost 5–4 to Cameroon and were beaten 8–1 by the host Madagascar in the third-place play-off on 19 April.

In April 1963 they entered another L'Amitié competition, this time in Senegal, and were drawn in a group with Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mauritania. They lost their opener 2–0 to Tunisia on 13 April but beat the Ivory Coast 3–2 the next day. On 15 April they beat their neighbour Congo Kinshasa 2–1, and then Mauritania 11–0 two days later, but did not advance to the next round.

In July 1965 the Congo held the 1965 All-Africa Games and were drawn in a group with Mali, Uganda and Togo. They drew 1–1 with Mali on 18 July and beat Uganda 2–1 the next day. On 21 July they drew 1–1 against Togo but advanced through to the semi-finals, where they beat the Ivory Coast 1–0 on 23 July. On 25 July the Congo drew 0–0 versus Mali in the final, but won the tournament by having won ten corners in the final compared to Mali's one.

On 11 January 1967 the Congo played their first non-African opposition, defeating Romania 1–0 in a home friendly. On 19 February 1967 the Congo travelled to Tunisia for their first ever African Cup of Nations qualifier, drawing 1–1. On 2 August 1967 they hosted a qualifier against Cameroon, and defeated them 2–1 to top their qualifying group and advance to their first finals.

The finals were held in Ethiopia in January 1968 and the Congo were drawn in a group with their neighbour Zaire, Senegal and Ghana. They lost the opener to Zaire 3–0 on 12 January and two days later lost 2–1 to Senegal. On 16 January the Congo were defeated 3–1 by Ghana and were knocked out.

The Congo hosted a friendly against Romania for the second successive year on 16 June 1968 and won 4–2. On 30 July 1968 they played their first ever South American opposition, losing a home friendly 2–0 to Brazil.

In 1972, the Congo won their only African Cup of Nations title. Congo defeated host Cameroon in the semi-final 1–0 before beating Mali 3–2 to claim the championship. On that squad was arguably Congo's most famous player, François M'Pelé, who starred for PSG in the 1970s.

In qualification for the 1998 World Cup, the Congo came within a win of qualifying for the final tournament. However, after home wins over Zambia, DR Congo and South Africa, Congo lost their final match 1–0 away to South Africa and was eliminated.

Results and fixtures

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Main article: Congo national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

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17 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zambia   4–2   Congo Ndola, Zambia
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt)

2024

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25 March Friendly Gabon   1–1   Congo Chambly, France
20:30
Report
Stadium: Stade des Marais
6 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Congo   0–3
Awarded[a]		   Niger Kinshasa, DR Congo
17:00 UTC+1 Report Stadium: Stade des Martyrs
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Congo   0–6   Morocco Agadir, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Adrar Stadium
Attendance: 30,000
Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana)
5 September 2024 (2024-09-05) 2025 AFCON qualification Congo   1–0   South Sudan Brazzaville, Congo
17:00 UTC+1 Massanga   12' Report Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique)
8 September 2024 (2024-09-08) 2025 AFCON qualification Uganda   1–0   Congo Kampala, Uganda
19:00 UTC+3
Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
6 October 2024 (2024-10-06) 2025 AFCON qualification South Africa   v   Congo
--:-- 
14 October 2024 (2024-10-14) 2025 AFCON qualification Congo   v   South Africa Brazzaville, Congo
--:--  Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
10 November 2024 (2024-11-10) 2025 AFCON qualification South Sudan   v   Congo Juba, South Sudan
--:--  Stadium: Juba Stadium
18 November 2024 (2024-11-18) 2025 AFCON qualification Congo   v   Uganda Brazzaville, Congo
--:--  Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat

2025

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March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Tanzania   v   Congo TBD, Tanzania
March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Congo   v   Zambia TBD, Congo
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Congo   v   Tanzania TBD, Congo
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Congo   v   Eritrea TBD, Congo
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Niger   v   Congo TBD, Niger
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Morocco   v   Congo TBD, Morocco

Coaches

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Players

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Current squad

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The following players were called-up for the 2025 AFCON qualification matches against South Sudan and Uganda on 5 and 8 September 2024 respectively.[6]

Caps and goals are correct as of 9 September 2024, after the match against Uganda.[7]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Christoffer Mafoumbi (1994-03-03) 3 March 1994 (age 30) 37 0   Floriana
1GK Pavelh Ndzila (1995-01-12) 12 January 1995 (age 29) 21 0   APR
1GK Owen-Césaire Matimbou (2002-06-19) 19 June 2002 (age 22) 2 0   Orleans
1GK Melvin Zinga (2002-03-16) 16 March 2002 (age 22) 0 0   Anger
2DF Yhoan Andzouana (1996-12-13) 13 December 1996 (age 27) 12 0   DAC Dunajská Streda
2DF Ryan Bidounga (1997-04-29) 29 April 1997 (age 27) 8 0   FC CSKA 1948 Sofia
2DF Bryan Passi (1997-08-05) 5 August 1997 (age 27) 8 0   Mafra
2DF Morgan Poaty (1997-07-15) 15 July 1997 (age 27) 7 0   Lausanne-Sport
2DF Ramaric Etou (1995-05-25) 25 May 1995 (age 29) 5 0   Dila Gori
2DF Francis Nzaba (2002-07-17) 17 July 2002 (age 22) 3 0   Başakşehir
2DF Christ Makosso (2004-05-09) 9 May 2004 (age 20) 2 0   Sochaux
2DF Kévin Mouanga (2000-07-24) 24 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Annecy
3MF Prestige Mboungou (2000-07-10) 10 July 2000 (age 24) 27 2   FK TSC
3MF Merveil Ndockyt (1998-07-20) 20 July 1998 (age 26) 23 1   HNK Gorica
3MF Antoine Makoumbou (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 26) 19 1   Cagliari
3MF Chandrel Massanga (1999-08-17) 17 August 1999 (age 25) 12 1   Hatayspor
3MF Fred Dembi (1995-02-21) 21 February 1995 (age 29) 10 1   Red Star
3MF Raviere Otanga (2000-08-14) 14 August 2000 (age 24) 2 0   Hearts of Oak
3MF Elie Andzouono (2002-01-02) 2 January 2002 (age 22) 1 0   Diables Noirs
3MF Brunallergene Junior Etou (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 30) 1 0   Pittsburgh Riverhounds
3MF Will Hondermarck (2000-11-21) 21 November 2000 (age 23) 1 0   Northampton Town
3MF Rabby Nzingoula (2005-11-25) 25 November 2005 (age 18) 0 0   Strasbourg
4FW Prince Ibara (1996-02-07) 7 February 1996 (age 28) 21 4   Khenchela
4FW Silvère Ganvoula (1996-06-29) 29 June 1996 (age 28) 20 6   Young Boys
4FW Béni Makouana (1999-09-28) 28 September 1999 (age 25) 15 0   Polissya Zhytomyr
4FW Mons Bassouamina (1998-05-28) 28 May 1998 (age 26) 9 1   Pau
4FW Gabriel Charpentier (1999-05-17) 17 May 1999 (age 25) 3 1   Parma
4FW Archange Bintsouka (2002-10-25) 25 October 2002 (age 21) 1 0   Partizani

Recent call-ups

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The following players were called up for Congo in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Trey Vimalin (2001-01-28) 28 January 2001 (age 23) 1 0   Fleury 91 v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
GK Melvin Douniama (2003-02-26) 26 February 2003 (age 21) 0 0   Paris FC Youth v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
GK Cristophe Wamba (2003-09-16) 16 September 2003 (age 21) 0 0   Unknown v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
GK Wolfrigon Mongondza (1990-04-08) 8 April 1990 (age 34) 3 0   Diables Noirs v.   Zambia, 17 November 2023
DF Ravy Tsouka (1994-12-23) 23 December 1994 (age 29) 20 0   AEL Limassol v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Vladis-Emmerson Illoy-Ayyet (1995-10-07) 7 October 1995 (age 28) 3 1   Ural Yekaterinburg v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Loick Ayina (2003-04-20) 20 April 2003 (age 21) 0 0   Ross County v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Mark Mampassi (2003-03-12) 12 March 2003 (age 21) 0 0   K.V. Kortrijk v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Erving Botaka (1998-11-05) 5 November 1998 (age 25) 0 0   Arsenal Tula v.   Gabon, 26 March 2024
DF Brayann Pereira (2003-05-21) 21 May 2003 (age 21) 0 0   NEC v.   Gabon, 26 March 2024
DF Julfin Ondongo (1997-03-28) 28 March 1997 (age 27) 11 0   Almurooj v.   Zambia, 17 November 2023
DF Bradley Mazikou (1996-06-02) 2 June 1996 (age 28) 9 0   Servette v.   Zambia, 17 November 2023
MF Durel Avounou (1997-09-25) 25 September 1997 (age 27) 23 0   CFR Cluj v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
MF Gaius Makouta (1997-07-25) 25 July 1997 (age 27) 20 2   Boavista v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
MF Tsomou Likibi (1987-01-24) 24 January 1987 (age 37) 2 1 Unknown v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
MF Dylan Bahamboula (1995-05-22) 22 May 1995 (age 29) 12 0   Busaiteen Club v.   Gabon, 26 March 2024
MF Thievy Bifouma (1992-05-13) 13 May 1992 (age 32) 41 16   Esteghlal Khuzestan v.   Zambia, 17 November 2023 INJ
FW Jason Bahamboula (2001-06-15) 15 June 2001 (age 23) 1 0   Valmiera v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
FW Alain Ipiélé (1997-08-20) 20 August 1997 (age 27) 1 0   Martigues v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
FW Inno Loemba (2004-08-04) 4 August 2004 (age 20) 1 0   Otoho v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
FW Christopher Ibayi (1995-07-18) 18 July 1995 (age 29) 0 0   Rouen v.   Morocco, 12 June 2024
FW Domi Massoumou (2003-06-04) 4 June 2003 (age 21) 1 0   Diables Noirs v.   Zambia, 17 November 2023
  • DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
  • INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
  • PRE Preliminary squad.
  • RET Player has retired from international football.
  • SUS Suspended from the national team.

Records

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As of 11 June 2024[8]
Players in bold are still active with Congo.

Most appearances

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Delvin N'Dinga is Congo's joint-most capped player with 56 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Jonas Bahamboula 56 13 1969–1982
Delvin N'Dinga 56 1 2008–2021
3 Destin Makita 55 1 2001–2013
4 Barel Mouko 51 1 2004–2018
5 Magnoléké Bissiki 45 0 2012–2021
6 Oscar Ewolo 44 2 2000–2013
7 Prince Oniangué 43 8 2008–2019
8 Thievy Bifouma 41 16 2014–present
Francis N'Ganga 41 3 2008–2017
10 Brice Samba 38 0 1990–2001

Top goalscorers

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Thievy Bifouma is Congo's top scorer with 16 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Thievy Bifouma 16 41 0.39 2014–present
2 Jonas Bahamboula 13 56 0.23 1969–1982
3 François M'Pelé 12 29 0.41 1971–1978
4 Paul Moukila 11 31 0.35 1970–1978
5 Anges Ngapy 10 33 0.3 1984–1993
Férébory Doré 10 37 0.27 2010–2017
7 Jean-Jacques N'Domba 8 35 0.23 1974–1992
Prince Oniangué 8 43 0.19 2008–2019
9 Kader Bidimbou 5 13 0.38 2014–present
Guy Mbenza 5 21 0.24 2017–present
Silvère Ganvoula 5 23 0.22 2014–present
Rolf-Christel Guié-Mien 5 25 0.2 1996–2008
Hardy Binguila 5 29 0.17 2013–present
Fabrice Ondama 5 37 0.14 2006–2017

Competition records

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1958 Part of   France Part of   France
as   Congo-Brazzaville
  1962 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
  1966 Entry not accepted by FIFA Entry not accepted by FIFA
as   People's Republic of the Congo
  1970 Did not enter Did not enter
  1974 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 3 2
  1978 4 1 1 2 10 5
  1982 Did not enter Did not enter
  1986
  1990
as   Republic of the Congo
  1994 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 0 5
  1998 8 4 2 2 8 6
    2002 10 3 2 5 10 17
  2006 12 4 2 6 12 15
  2010 6 3 0 3 7 8
  2014 8 4 3 1 13 4
  2018 8 2 2 4 11 16
  2022 6 0 3 3 5 10
      2026 To be determined 2 0 0 2 2 10
      2030 To be determined
  2034
Total 0/15 70 21 16 33 81 98

Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
  1957 Part of   France
  1959
Played as   Congo-Brazzaville
  1962 Not affiliated to CAF
  1963
  1965
  1968 Group stage 7th 3 0 0 3 2 8
Played as   People's Republic of the Congo
  1970 Did not enter
  1972 Winners 1st 5 3 1 1 9 5
  1974 Fourth place 4th 5 2 1 2 7 10
  1976 Did not qualify
  1978 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 1 4
  1980 Did not qualify
  1982
  1984
  1986
  1988
  1990 Did not enter
Played as   Republic of the Congo
  1992 Quarter-finals 5th 3 0 2 1 2 3
  1994 Did not qualify
  1996
  1998
    2000 Group stage 11th 3 0 2 1 0 1
  2002 Did not qualify
  2004
  2006
  2008
  2010
    2012
  2013
  2015 Quarter-finals 5th 4 2 1 1 6 6
  2017 Did not qualify
  2019
  2021
  2023
  2025 To be determined
      2027
  2029
Total 1 Title 7/34 26 7 8 11 27 37

African Games

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See also: Congo national under-23 football team
See also: Congo national under-20 football team
African Games record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
  1965 Gold 5 3 1 1 11 5
  1973 6th 3 1 0 2 5 8
Total 2/4 8 4 1 3 16 13

Honours

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Continental

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(*) Not recognized by FIFA, the competition is organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

Regional

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  • CEMAC Cup
    •   Champions (2): 2007, 2010
    •   Runners-up (2): 2008, 2014
    •   Third place (2): 2003, 2013
  • UDEAC Championship
    •   Champions (1): 1990
    •   Runners-up (2): 1984, 1985
    •   Third place (2): 1986, 1988
  • Central African Games
    •   Silver medal (2): 1976, 1981
    •   Bronze medal (1): 1987

Notes

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  1. ^ Niger were awarded a 3–0 victory by forfeit after Congo refused to travel to DR Congo for their home match on 6 June, insisting that they play in Brazzaville.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  2. ^ "World Football Elo Ratings". www.eloratings.net. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Congo (Brazzaville) - List of International Matches". RSSSF. Rec. Sport Soccer Statistics Foundation. 23 December 2013. Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference CGO_NIG was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1032664435534328&set=a.542818184518958 [bare URL]
  7. ^ https://it.soccerway.com/matches/2024/09/09/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/uganda/congo/4406442//
  8. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Congo-Brazzaville – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
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