Ngatsono returns as Congo coach for CHAN 2024, names preliminary squad

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) has named Barthélémy Ngatsono as the head coach of the local-based national side for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, set to take place this August in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. CAF reinstated Congo Brazzaville to the upcoming CHAN finals after FIFA lifted the suspension on the country’s football federation.

 

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The 68-year-old veteran coach has previously led Congo on two occasions, one of which was as a caretaker in 2021. Ngatsono has also coached local side Étoile du Congo and DR Congo outfit DC Motema Pembe.

Ngatsono is no stranger to the CHAN, having qualified and led Congo in both the 2018 and 2020 editions. On both occasions, Congo Brazzaville crashed out of the competition in the quarterfinals, falling to Libya and Mali respectively. Ngatsono has named a 27-player preliminary roster for the finals in August.

 

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Cédric Nanitélamio has been appointed assistant coach of the national side. Congo has been drawn against defending champions Senegal, Nigeria, and Sudan in Group D. They will kick off their campaign against Nigeria.