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Congo national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Not to be confused with DR Congo national football team.
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Congo women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Congo
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Ba Diabulu ya Mbwaki
(The Red Devils)
Association Kimvuka ya nkweso ya Kongo (KNK)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation UNIFFAC (Central Africa)
Head coach Isaac Ngata (Interim)
Captain Amour Loussoukou
Most caps Jonas Bahamboula
Delvin N'Dinga (56)
Top scorer Thievy Bifouma (16)
Home stadium Stade ya mbanza Kintélé
Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
FIFA code CGO
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 84 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 42 (September 2015)
Lowest 144 (September 2011)
Elo ranking
Current 106 Increase 5 (3 March 2019)
Highest 37 (July 1972)
Lowest 133 (4 September 2011)
First international
France French Congo 5–1 Cameroon France
(Middle Congo; 1954)
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
Appearances 7 (first in 1968)
Best result Champions (1972)
Jordan International Tournament
Appearances 1 (first in 1992)
Best result Fourth place (1992)

The Congo national football team is the official men's football team for the Republic of the Congo. They are also known as Ba Diabulu ya Mbwaki, which means "The Red Devils". The team is managed by the Congolese Football Federation.

Even though they have never played in the World Cup, they achieved a big win in 1972 by becoming champions of the Africa Cup of Nations. They also won the football tournament at the All-Africa Games in 1965. The team is part of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History of Congo Football

The Congo national football team played its very first game in February 1960. It was a friendly match against the Ivory Coast, which they lost 4–2. A few months later, in April, they won their first game against Reunion with a score of 4–1. They even beat Ivory Coast 3–2 in the quarter-finals of a tournament.

In July 1965, Congo hosted the 1965 All-Africa Games. They played against teams like Mali and Uganda. They reached the final and drew 0–0 with Mali. However, Congo won the tournament because they had earned more corner kicks in the final game!

In 1967, Congo played their first game against a non-African team, beating Romania 1–0. They also qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1968.

Winning the Africa Cup of Nations

The biggest moment for Congo football came in 1972. They won their only African Cup of Nations title! They beat the host team, Cameroon, 1–0 in the semi-final. Then, they defeated Mali 3–2 in the final to become champions. A famous player from that team was François M'Pelé, who later played for PSG.

World Cup Qualification Attempts

Congo came very close to qualifying for the 1998 World Cup. They had strong home wins against Zambia, DR Congo, and South Africa. However, they lost their last match 1–0 away to South Africa and missed out on the tournament.

Recent Matches and Schedule

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

Here are some of the recent matches the Congo national football team has played, along with some future games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2024 Matches

Team Coaches

Many coaches have led the Congo national football team over the years. They come from different countries, including Congo itself, France, and other nations.

  • Republic of the Congo Paul Ebondzibato (1962–1964)
  • Soviet Union Vasily Sokolov (1964–1965)
  • Republic of the Congo Paul Ebondzibato (1965–1970)
  • Republic of the Congo Adolphe Bibanzoulou (1970–1973)
  • Republic of the Congo Robert Ndoudi (1973–1974)
  • Romania Cicerone Manolache (1974–1976)
  • Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Zoran Ristić (1984)
  • France Yvon Goujon (1986–1987)
  • Republic of the Congo Noël Minga (1992–1993)
  • Republic of the Congo David Mémy (1997–1998)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo Alain Nestor Ngouinda (1998–1999)
  • Republic of the Congo David Mémy (1999–2000)
  • Republic of the Congo Camille Ngakosso (2000)
  • Republic of the Congo Gaston Tchangana (2001)
  • Republic of the Congo Noël Minga (2001)
  • Romania Eugen Moldovan (2001–2002)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo Alain Nestor Ngouinda (2002)
  • Switzerland Claude Andrey (2002–2003)
  • Netherlands Tahseen Jabbary (2002–2003)
  • France Jean-Paul Bernard (2003)
  • France Michel Hidalgo (2004)
  • France Christian Létard (2004–2005)
  • Republic of the Congo Gaston Tchangana (2005–2006)
  • France Noël Tosi (2006–2007)
  • Republic of the Congo Gaston Tchangana (2007–2008)
  • Serbia Ivica Todorov (2008–2010)
  • France Robert Corfou (2010–2011)
  • Republic of the Congo Camille Ngakosso (2011)
  • France Jean-Guy Wallemme (2011–2012)
  • France Kamel Djabour (2012–13)
  • France Claude Le Roy (2013–15)
  • France Pierre Lechantre (2016)
  • Republic of the Congo Barthélémy Ngatsono (2016–17)
  • France Sébastien Migné (2017–18)
  • Brazil Valdo Filho (2018–2021)
  • Belgium Paul Put (2021–2023)
  • France Isaac Ngata (2023-present)

Coaching Staff

The coaching staff helps the team train and prepare for matches. They include coaches for different roles, doctors, and physiotherapists.

Position Name
Head coach FranceRepublic of the Congo Isaac Ngata
Assistant coaches Republic of the Congo Moïse Mavundza
Republic of the Congo Henri Nganga
Goalkeeping coach Republic of the Congo Gérald Mbandaka
Fitness coach Republic of the Congo Formose Kimbuta
Match analyst Republic of the Congo François Mpanga
Doctors Republic of the Congo Dr. Stéphane Mavungu
Republic of the Congo Dr. Gervais Tchibinda
Physiotherapists Republic of the Congo Aurélien Kimpembe
Republic of the Congo Maurice Mvoungou
Republic of the Congo Loïc Kimbela
Republic of the Congo Jérôme Tchuka
Team coordinator Republic of the Congo Hervé Ngolo
Technical director Republic of the Congo Maxime Nzassi

Players

This section lists the players who are currently part of the Congo national football team.

Current Squad

These players were chosen for the 2025 AFCON qualification matches in November 2024. The numbers for games played (caps) and goals scored are up to date as of November 19, 2024.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Trey Vimalin (2001-01-28) 28 January 2001 (age 24) 4 0 France Fleury 91
1GK Marly Prince Heritier (1999-04-10) 10 April 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Kosovo Feronikeli 74
1GK Chelcy Bonazebi (2006-05-18) 18 May 2006 (age 19) 0 0 Republic of the Congo CARA Brazzaville
1GK David Opoundja (1998-04-03) 3 April 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Democratic Republic of the Congo Celeste
2DF Ryan Bidounga (1997-04-29) 29 April 1997 (age 28) 10 0 Bulgaria CSKA 1948
2DF Bryan Passi (1997-08-05) 5 August 1997 (age 27) 10 0 Portugal Mafra
2DF Morgan Poaty (1997-07-15) 15 July 1997 (age 28) 10 0 Switzerland Lausanne-Sport
2DF Ramaric Etou (1995-05-25) 25 May 1995 (age 30) 7 0 Georgia (country) Dila Gori
2DF Loïs Fauriel (2002-07-17) 17 July 2002 (age 22) 3 0 Cyprus Doxa Katokopias
2DF Christ Makosso (2004-05-09) 9 May 2004 (age 21) 3 0 France Sochaux
2DF Janard Berlohd Mbemba (2002-03-06) 6 March 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Republic of the Congo Diables Noirs
3MF Harvy Ossété (1999-08-18) 18 August 1999 (age 25) 31 0 Democratic Republic of the Congo Saint-Éloi Lupopo
3MF Merveil Ndockyt (1998-07-20) 20 July 1998 (age 26) 27 1 Croatia Gorica
3MF Gaius Makouta (1997-07-25) 25 July 1997 (age 27) 24 2 Portugal Boavista
3MF Fred Dembi (1995-02-21) 21 February 1995 (age 30) 12 1 France Red Star
3MF Chandrel Massanga (1999-08-17) 17 August 1999 (age 25) 12 1 Turkey Hatayspor
3MF Nolan Mbemba (1995-02-19) 19 February 1995 (age 30) 10 0 France Grenoble
3MF Glid Otanga (2000-08-14) 14 August 2000 (age 24) 1 0 Qatar Al Kharaitiyat
4FW Prestige Mboungou (2000-07-10) 10 July 2000 (age 25) 31 2 Serbia TSC
4FW Silvère Ganvoula (1996-06-29) 29 June 1996 (age 29) 24 6 Switzerland Young Boys
4FW Mons Bassouamina (1998-05-28) 28 May 1998 (age 27) 13 2 France Pau
4FW Yann Mabella (1996-02-22) 22 February 1996 (age 29) 8 0 Luxembourg RFCU Union
4FW Christopher Ibayi (1995-07-18) 18 July 1995 (age 29) 3 2 France Rouen
4FW Jason Bahamboula (2001-06-15) 15 June 2001 (age 24) 2 0 Latvia Valmiera
4FW Archange Bintsouka (2002-10-25) 25 October 2002 (age 22) 2 0 Albania Partizani
4FW Elie Andzouono (2002-01-02) 2 January 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Republic of the Congo Diables Noirs
4FW Beni Namboka unknown 1 0 Democratic Republic of the Congo Celeste

Recent Call-ups

These players were also called to play for Congo in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Christoffer Mafoumbi (1994-03-03) 3 March 1994 (age 31) 38 0 Malta Floriana v.  South Africa, 11 October 2024
GK Pavelh Ndzila (1995-01-12) 12 January 1995 (age 30) 21 0 Rwanda APR v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
GK Owen-Césaire Matimbou (2002-06-19) 19 June 2002 (age 23) 2 0 France Orleans v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
GK Melvin Zinga (2002-03-16) 16 March 2002 (age 23) 0 0 France Anger v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
GK Melvin Douniama (2003-02-26) 26 February 2003 (age 22) 0 0 France Paris FC B v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
GK Cristophe Wamba (2003-09-16) 16 September 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Republic of the Congo Étoile du Congo v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Yhoan Andzouana (1996-12-13) 13 December 1996 (age 28) 14 0 Slovakia DAC v.  South Sudan, 14 November 2024 PRE
DF Francis Nzaba (2002-07-17) 17 July 2002 (age 22) 3 0 Turkey İstanbul Başakşehir v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
DF Kévin Mouanga (2000-07-24) 24 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0 France Annecy v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
DF Ravy Tsouka (1994-12-23) 23 December 1994 (age 30) 20 0 Cyprus AEL Limassol v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Vladis Illoy (1995-10-07) 7 October 1995 (age 29) 3 1 Russia Ural Yekaterinburg v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Loick Ayina (2003-04-20) 20 April 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Scotland Ross County v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Mark Mampassi (2003-03-12) 12 March 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Belgium Kortrijk v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
DF Erving Botaka (1998-11-05) 5 November 1998 (age 26) 0 0 Russia Arsenal Tula v.  Gabon, 26 March 2024
DF Brayann Pereira (2003-05-21) 21 May 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Netherlands NEC v.  Gabon, 26 March 2024
MF Raviere Otanga (2000-08-14) 14 August 2000 (age 24) 3 0 Ghana Hearts of Oak v.  South Africa, 11 October 2024
MF Antoine Makoumbou (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 26) 19 1 Italy Cagliari v.  South Africa, 11 October 2024 PRE
MF Brunallergene Etou (1994-01-01) 1 January 1994 (age 31) 1 0 United States Pittsburgh RH v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
MF Will Hondermarck (2000-11-21) 21 November 2000 (age 24) 1 0 England Northampton Town v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
MF Rabby Nzingoula (2005-11-25) 25 November 2005 (age 19) 0 0 France Strasbourg v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
MF Durel Avounou (1997-09-25) 25 September 1997 (age 27) 23 0 Romania CFR Cluj v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
MF Tsomou Likibi (1987-01-24) 24 January 1987 (age 38) 2 1 Republic of the Congo Inter Club v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
MF Dylan Bahamboula (1995-05-22) 22 May 1995 (age 30) 12 0 Bahrain Busaiteen Club v.  Gabon, 26 March 2024
FW Josna Loulendo (2004-01-15) 15 January 2004 (age 21) 2 0 United Arab Emirates Al Ain v.  South Africa, 11 October 2024
FW Prince Ibara (1996-02-07) 7 February 1996 (age 29) 21 4 Algeria Khenchela v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
FW Béni Makouana (1999-09-28) 28 September 1999 (age 25) 15 0 Ukraine Polissya Zhytomyr v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
FW Gabriel Charpentier (1999-05-17) 17 May 1999 (age 26) 3 1 Italy Parma v.  Uganda, 9 September 2024
FW Alain Ipiélé (1997-08-20) 20 August 1997 (age 27) 1 0 France Martigues v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
FW Inno Loemba (2004-08-04) 4 August 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Republic of the Congo Otoho v.  Morocco, 12 June 2024
  • 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.

Team Records

Here are some interesting records for the Congo national football team, showing players with the most games and most goals.

Players in bold are still active with Congo.

Most Appearances

Locomotiv-Terec (6)
Delvin N'Dinga is Congo's joint-most capped player with 56 appearances.

These players have played the most games for the Congo national team.

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
Christoffer Mafoumbi 38 0 2012–present

Top Goalscorers

Thievy Bifouma (Reims)
Thievy Bifouma is Congo's top scorer with 16 goals.

These players have scored the most goals for the Congo national team.

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
Rolf-Christel Guié-Mien 5 25 0.2 1996–2008
Silvère Ganvoula 5 27 0.19 2014–present
Hardy Binguila 5 29 0.17 2013–present
Fabrice Ondama 5 37 0.14 2006–2017

Tournament History

The Congo national football team has taken part in several major tournaments. Here's how they've done in the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

FIFA World Cup

Congo has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Before 1962, they were part of France.

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
Chile 1962 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
England 1966 Entry not accepted by FIFA Entry not accepted by FIFA
as  People's Republic of the Congo
Mexico 1970 Did not enter Did not enter
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 3 2
Argentina 1978 4 1 1 2 10 5
Spain 1982 Did not enter Did not enter
Mexico 1986
Italy 1990
as  Republic of the Congo
United States 1994 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 0 5
France 1998 8 4 2 2 8 6
South Korea Japan 2002 10 3 2 5 10 17
Germany 2006 12 4 2 6 12 15
South Africa 2010 6 3 0 3 7 8
Brazil 2014 8 4 3 1 13 4
Russia 2018 8 2 2 4 11 16
Qatar 2022 6 0 3 3 5 10
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 2 0 0 2 2 10
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/15 70 21 16 33 81 98

Africa Cup of Nations

Congo has played in the Africa Cup of Nations several times, winning it once in 1972.

Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
Sudan 1957 Part of  France
United Arab Republic 1959
Played as  Congo-Brazzaville
Ethiopia 1962 Not affiliated to CAF
Ghana 1963
Tunisia 1965
Ethiopia 1968 Group stage 7th 3 0 0 3 2 8
Played as  People's Republic of the Congo
Sudan 1970 Did not enter
Cameroon 1972 Winners 1st 5 3 1 1 9 5
Egypt 1974 Fourth place 4th 5 2 1 2 7 10
Ethiopia 1976 Did not qualify
Ghana 1978 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 1 4
Nigeria 1980 Did not qualify
Libya 1982
Ivory Coast 1984
Egypt 1986
Morocco 1988
Algeria 1990 Did not enter
Played as  Republic of the Congo
Senegal 1992 Quarter-finals 5th 3 0 2 1 2 3
Tunisia 1994 Did not qualify
South Africa 1996
Burkina Faso 1998
Ghana Nigeria 2000 Group stage 11th 3 0 2 1 0 1
Mali 2002 Did not qualify
Tunisia 2004
Egypt 2006
Ghana 2008
Angola 2010
Gabon Equatorial Guinea 2012
South Africa 2013
Equatorial Guinea 2015 Quarter-finals 5th 4 2 1 1 6 6
Gabon 2017 Did not qualify
Egypt 2019
Cameroon 2021
Ivory Coast 2023
Morocco 2025
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined
2029
Total 1 Title 7/34 26 7 8 11 27 37

African Games

The African Games is a big sports event for African countries. Congo has done well in football there.

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
Republic of the Congo 1965 Gold 5 3 1 1 11 5
Nigeria 1973 6th 3 1 0 2 5 8
Total 2/4 8 4 1 3 16 13

Team Achievements

The Congo national football team has won several awards and honors throughout its history.

Continental Awards

Regional Awards

  • CEMAC Cup
    • 1 Champions (2): 2007, 2010
    • 2 Runners-up (2): 2008, 2014
    • 3 Third place (2): 2003, 2013
  • UDEAC Championship
    • 1 Champions (1): 1990
    • 2 Runners-up (2): 1984, 1985
    • 3 Third place (2): 1986, 1988
  • Central African Games
    • 2 Silver medal (2): 1976, 1981
    • 3 Bronze medal (1): 1987
  1. This competition is organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. FIFA does not officially recognize it.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol del Congo para niños

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