Claude Le Roy, the newly appointed coach of Congo since December, expressed his amazement at the quality of the game in the first round of the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Having followed the previous editions in Ivory Coast (2009) and Sudan (2011), Le Roy stated that this year’s competition has been particularly impressive, with teams prioritizing attacking football.
Le Roy praised the performances of several teams, including Mali, Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, and Libya. He highlighted Mali’s overall technique and quality attackers, commended Morocco for their consistency, and acknowledged Ghana and Nigeria for holding their ground. Libya, according to Le Roy, demonstrated exemplary behavior in the game. He also expressed his admiration for the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in their third match against Burundi.
While some teams impressed him, Le Roy pointed out that South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia were among the disappointments in the tournament’s first round. Additionally, he identified several standout players, including Ugandan Santamu, Congolese (DRC) Mundele, Libyans Ghanudi and Ali, Mauritanian Moulaye Ahmed, and Congolese Binguila.
The positive assessment aligns with Le Roy’s belief that FIFA’s decision to consider CHAN results for ranking has elevated the competition’s significance.
