Claude Le Roy praises Congo after 1-1 draw with Cameroon in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Congo manager Claude Le Roy praised his team’s performance after the Diables Rouges held Cameroon to a 1-1 draw in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The result saw Congo challenge expectations against one of Africa’s most established international sides, with Le Roy proud of the way his players competed with a team used to performing on major occasions.

Congo’s tactical discipline and determination enabled them to disrupt Cameroon’s authority on the pitch and secure a valuable point in their qualifying campaign.

“We are 133rd in the world and the 39th-ranked team in Africa. Did you get the impression there was such a difference between the two teams today? No,” said Le Roy.

“I will never stop saying that this country, because I have already experienced it, is full of talent. They are incredible in their mentality, their determination and their tactical intelligence.”

The French coach especially highlighted the way Congo followed the game plan without being intimidated by Cameroon’s reputation or the level of the players in the opposing squad.

Le Roy said the match had been approached with a clear tactical objective, which his team carried out as planned.

“We know there are still areas in which we need to improve, but overall we applied to the letter the tactical approach we had decided on for the match,” he said.

“That is exactly what we wanted to do: create danger as quickly as possible and make these Cameroonians tremble. When you see the clubs for which these Cameroonians play, we could have been afraid.”