DR Congo target AFCON 2027 glory as FECOFA backs Desabre for World Cup push

The Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation (FECOFA) president Véron Mosengo has reaffirmed his confidence in national team coach Sébastien Desabre, praising the Frenchman’s four-year tenure while setting ambitious targets of winning the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the next FIFA World Cup.

Mosengo’s endorsement comes as the Leopards prepare for the next phase of their international campaign, with Desabre continuing to enjoy the federation’s full backing after overseeing a resurgence in the national team’s fortunes.

Speaking about the coach’s future, the FECOFA president said he had held discussions with Desabre and was pleased with the progress made under his leadership.

“I have spoken with coach Desabre, who has been doing fantastic work for four years,” Mosengo said.

“Our objective is to win AFCON 2027 and to qualify for the next World Cup.”

Desabre, who has been in charge since 2022, has helped restore optimism around the Leopards, guiding the side to competitive performances on the continental stage and rebuilding a squad capable of challenging Africa’s traditional heavyweights.

DR Congo played in the knockout phase of the World Cup in North America for the first time in the history of the country under the guidiance of Desabre as head coach.

Mosengo’s public backing sends a clear message that the federation is committed to maintaining stability on the bench, rather than making changes ahead of crucial qualifying campaigns.

The federation’s ambitions extend beyond qualification, with AFCON 2027 now identified as the primary continental objective.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, represents an opportunity for DR Congo to end a long wait for another African title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1968 and 1974.

At the same time, FECOFA is determined to see the Leopards return to the FIFA World Cup after missing recent editions, with Mosengo making qualification one of the federation’s key priorities.

With Desabre remaining at the helm and enjoying strong institutional support, DR Congo will now look to translate that continuity into success on both the continental and global stage over the coming years.