AFCON 2015 QUALIFIERS – CONGO CLING TO FAINT HOPES AFTER DEFEAT TO NIGERIA
Congo’s hopes of reaching the final phase of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, now set to be held in Equatorial Guinea, are hanging by a thread. After a 2-0 home defeat to Nigeria on Matchday 5, Claude Leroy’s men have lost control over their own destiny.
➤ Claude Leroy: “I take responsibility”
Speaking to the CAF website, the French tactician reflected on the turning point of the match:
“We gradually took control of the match until the penalty, which was probably justified. The reaction was immediate, we got back into the game, but the penalty saved by Enyeama was a mental blow.”
Leroy, however, remains defiant and refuses to throw in the towel:
“Football in Congo will not stop today. There is still a match on November 19 against Sudan. We still have a little hope of life—the machine has not stopped.”
➤ A Complicated Scenario
Congo now sits level on points with Nigeria (7 points), but behind on head-to-head. Their only remaining chance lies in finishing as one of the best third-placed teams, a slim hope that hinges on results from other groups going in their favor.
➤ Final Chance: November 19 vs Sudan
Congo must win against Sudan and hope that either:
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Nigeria fails to beat South Africa, or
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They rank high enough among all third-placed teams to sneak into the tournament.
With everything at stake, Claude Leroy’s Red Devils head into Matchday 6 needing more than just a win—they need a miracle.
