Congo have turned to one of African football’s most familiar faces in a bid to revive the fortunes of their national team, appointing veteran French coach Claude Le Roy as the new head coach of the Red Devils.

The appointment sees the 78-year-old return to a country he previously managed, bringing decades of experience and a deep understanding of African football. Joining him on the technical bench will be Senegalese coach Omar Daf, who has been named assistant coach as part of the new setup.

The move forms part of a broader effort by Congolese football authorities to restore competitiveness to the national team after a period marked by inconsistency and disappointing results. Officials hope the new coaching team can provide the stability and direction needed to guide the Red Devils back among Africa’s stronger footballing nations.

An official ceremony to formalise the appointments is expected to take place in Brazzaville on June 22, with representatives from the government and the Congolese Football Federation set to attend. The event will confirm the agreement between the coaches and the country’s sporting authorities.

Le Roy’s return comes with clear objectives. Chief among them is leading Congo’s push for qualification to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament viewed as a major benchmark for the success of the new project.

Beyond short-term results, the initiative is also focused on strengthening the national team’s technical framework and creating a pathway for emerging local talent to progress to the highest level. Authorities believe a combination of experienced leadership and long-term planning can help lay the foundations for sustainable growth.

Few coaches possess Le Roy’s pedigree in African football. Over a career spanning several decades, he has managed numerous national teams across the continent and earned a reputation as one of the game’s most knowledgeable tacticians. His familiarity with the Congolese football landscape was reportedly a significant factor in the decision to bring him back.

With Omar Daf providing support on the technical staff, expectations will be high as the pair begin work on rebuilding a side eager to re-establish itself on the continental stage. Their challenge will be to blend experience with emerging talent while delivering the results supporters have been waiting for.

For Congo, the appointment represents more than a coaching change. It signals the start of a new project, one designed to restore confidence, improve performances and chart a clearer path towards future success.