Congo Brazzaville’s participation in the qualifiers for the 2026 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations has been thrown into serious doubt after the country’s football federation said it does not recognise the existence of a national U17 team.
Just a week before the start of the UNIFAC qualifying tournament in Kinshasa, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) released a statement on 10 February declaring that it does not “recognize” the U17 side expected to take part in the regional competition.
The announcement has raised major concerns over whether Congo Brazzaville will be able to compete at all.
The UNIFAC tournament, which serves as the qualifying pathway to the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, is scheduled to begin on 17 February in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, FECOFOOT says it only became aware of the alleged U17 selection through media reports, distancing itself from any responsibility for the team’s formation or registration.
In its statement, the federation made clear that no official process had been completed to establish or validate a national U17 squad.
It described the situation as unprecedented, creating uncertainty just days before the competition is due to kick off.
According to the document, responsibility for assembling the team had been linked to Fabrizio Cenaza, who was consulted in December 2025.
During those discussions, Cenaza reportedly highlighted major obstacles, including the absence of organised domestic youth competitions and the difficulty of identifying and gathering eligible players.
FECOFOOT says no further steps were taken after that exchange, leaving the process incomplete.
As a result, the federation insists that there is no officially recognised U17 national team representing Congo Brazzaville.
Without formal endorsement, administrative approval or registration, the Red Devils’ participation in the UNIFAC tournament appears increasingly unlikely.
The timing of the controversy has added to the seriousness of the situation.
With the competition set to run from 17 February to 2 March in Kinshasa, there is little room to resolve the issue before the opening fixtures.
Any withdrawal would have implications for the tournament schedule and group balance.
Congo Brazzaville has been placed in Group A, alongside hosts DR Congo and the Central African Republic.
For now, organisers and participating teams are awaiting clarification, as uncertainty continues to surround whether the Congolese side will take the field.
Until an official resolution is announced, Congo Brazzaville’s involvement in the race for a place at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations remains in doubt.
