Claude Le Roy: “Congo’s Return to AFCON Is a Human and Sporting Triumph”
Fifteen years after their last appearance, Congo are back in the Africa Cup of Nations, and their veteran coach Claude Le Roy is proud of the journey. Drawn in a tough qualifying group with Nigeria, Sudan, and South Africa, the Red Devils defied the odds to book their ticket to AFCON 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.
Despite the achievement, Le Roy remains grounded:
“No, wait! We’re the only team where no player has ever played in an African Cup of Nations; they were kids last time (in 2000). We have a chance to play in the opening match. That means they’ll be right back in the CAN, and I think that’s great,” he told CAF’s official website.
The Frenchman, renowned for his connection to African football, will be coaching at his eighth AFCON tournament, a record few can match.
“I’m even more proud because when I took over this team, everyone said it was a first-class funeral,” he admitted. “But I never had a career plan, I always went to countries that attracted me… It’s not demagogic — it’s a human adventure. I’m happy for myself, but this is the success of the entire staff and especially the players. They’re quality guys.”
Le Roy emphasized what he brought to the squad:
“I brought all my passion, my sense of the game, my crazy love of football, and a method — a lot of discipline.”
Congo are in Group A alongside host nation Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Burkina Faso. They will open the tournament — a symbolic return to the continental stage for a team rebuilding its legacy.
