The Democratic Republic of Congo’s planned training camp in Algeria for its locally-based national team has been abruptly cancelled, with the Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) offering formal apologies to the Algerian Football Federation.
Originally, the Congolese Ligue 1 was set to pause to allow the Leopards A’—the national team comprising domestic league players—to begin a five-day camp in Kinshasa before departing for Algeria for the next phase of their preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
However, a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has forced a sudden change in plans.
In an official communique, signed by FECOFA Secretary General Innocent Kibundulu Kazadi and referenced under document number 015/COCC/2025, the federation confirmed that the training camp in Algeria has been cancelled.
The statement cited the CAS’s ruling in favour of TP Mazembe, which mandated the continuation of the domestic league season.
As a result, the federation extended its “sincere apologies” to its stakeholders, particularly the Algerian Football Federation, for the “inconvenience” caused.
The Leopards A’ had intended to use the Algerian camp as a vital part of their CHAN 2024 preparations.
The competition, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August, features national teams made up exclusively of players competing in their country’s domestic leagues.
DR Congo, two-time CHAN champions (2009 and 2016), had high hopes heading into this edition.
Despite the disruption, head coach Otis N’Goma’s 36-man preliminary squad remains in training in Kinshasa.
The team is expected to travel to Nairobi for the tournament, where they will face a tough Group B draw that includes hosts Kenya, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia.
However, preparation has been marred by serious logistical issues.
On Friday, 18 July, the Leopards A’ were unable to train due to the non-arrival of their team bus.
Reports also indicate that the players went without meals for much of the previous day, as hotel catering services were suspended over unpaid bills.
Sources close to the team revealed that the players only received food late at night on Thursday.
The incidents raise further concerns about the support infrastructure for the national team ahead of a major continental competition.
With just weeks to go until CHAN kicks off, the Congolese squad faces not only strong opponents but also mounting off-field challenges.
