Rabat, Morocco - Congo's national football team, known as the Leopards, experienced a heart-wrenching end to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign when Algeria's substitute Adil Boulbina netted a decisive goal in the final moments of extra time. Despite this elimination in the last 16, the team and its supporters have swiftly shifted their attention toward a new, significant target: qualification for the FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States later this year.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre emphasized the importance of reflecting on the shortcomings that occurred during the tournament. "We must thoroughly analyze what didn’t work because some things didn’t work," said Desabre. He highlighted the urgency of embracing the forthcoming opportunity, describing it as "a very, very important objective" scheduled for March.
The Leopards are poised to secure one of the final qualification spots through a playoff stage in Mexico on March 31, where they will face either New Caledonia or Jamaica. Congo's captain, Chancel Mbemba, expressed a mix of pride and hope concerning their AFCON journey and the remaining challenge ahead. "It’s a beautiful competition," Mbemba remarked about the Africa Cup. "But we still have a last competition, a final game, if God wants it."
Mbemba has personal experience with high-stakes, last-minute victories, having scored a stoppage-time goal to clinch a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the African World Cup playoff semifinal. Subsequently, Congo triumphed over Nigeria in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout to progress to the intercontinental playoffs, a feat that even led Nigeria’s coach Éric Chelle to attribute their defeat to "some voodoo". Mbemba again played a decisive role in ensuring the Leopards’ advancement.
Over recent years, Congo has emerged as one of Africa’s most robust football teams. During World Cup qualifying, they secured second place behind Senegal, who remained unbeaten in their group. At the Africa Cup, the team, inspired in part by the legacy of independence leader Patrice Lumumba, began with a victory against Benin, followed by a draw versus the 2021 champions Senegal, and then a commanding 3-0 win over Botswana to reach the round of 16.
At the previous AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast, Congo reached the semifinals, with players wearing black armbands to bring awareness to conflict in the eastern part of their country. Key players like Mbemba and forward Cédric Bakambu have actively used social media platforms to spotlight ongoing humanitarian concerns back home.
Such on-field achievements have not only elevated Congo’s presence on the African football landscape but have also helped to maintain international focus on the country’s domestic challenges. Securing a spot in the World Cup is expected to further enhance this visibility.
The Congolese squad has benefited from talent within the diaspora, especially in Europe. For example, 21-year-old Noah Sadiki, a Brussels native, chose to represent Congo despite eligibility for Belgium. He disclosed the voluntary nature of his choice, noting, "There’s a new generation that wants to help the people of the country." Alongside Sadiki, goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo (20) and midfielder Mario Stroeykens (21), both Belgian-born, have also committed to playing for Congo.
French coach Sébastien Desabre, who took helm in 2022, has focused on building a cohesive unit, leading to a side that resists defeat. Against Algeria, their main fault was in converting opportunities, a factor that ultimately ended their tournament run.
Desabre credited stability for the team's progress, allowing time to implement systemic changes and strengthening the rapport between players and staff. He also acknowledged untapped potential within local football academies and the domestic league, which he believes will serve as a springboard for future success.
Recognizing a disparity between Congo and African powerhouses like Senegal and Cameroon, Desabre noted that players in these countries often develop crucial skills in academies before ascending to prominent European leagues. However, he remained optimistic about Congo's trajectory, emphasizing the potential impact of activating similar developmental levers.
Looking ahead, the prospect of World Cup qualification stands as the next pivotal milestone. Mbemba concluded with determination, "Every one of us will return, we’ll work. We’ll ask God to keep every player fit. And – if God wants it – in the last match, everything is possible."