Congo Recalls Ngatsono, Names Provisional Squad for CHAN 2025 After Reinstatement

The Republic of Congo has officially commenced preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 with the re-appointment of Barthélémy Ngatsono as head coach. Ngatsono, a familiar face in the Red Devils’ dugout, returns to the helm for the first time since his caretaker stint in 2021, bringing with him a wealth of experience, having previously guided Congo in two CHAN editions (2018 and 2020).

Ngatsono’s return comes at a pivotal time for Congo, as their participation in the tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August, was recently secured after a dramatic turn of events. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had initially disqualified Congo and replaced them with Equatorial Guinea. However, following a successful appeal by the Congolese Football Federation, CAF reinstated the Red Devils, overturning their earlier decision.

Upon his reinstatement, the veteran tactician wasted no time, immediately naming a 27-man preliminary squad to begin rigorous preparations for the continental showpiece. Congo finds itself in a challenging Group D, where they will face formidable opponents in defending champions Senegal, regional powerhouse Nigeria, and the resilient Sudan.

The full provisional squad called up by Ngatsono includes:

Goalkeepers:

• Simon Ulrich Samba (AS Otoho)
• Christophe Fresnel Mavy Wamba (Etoile du Congo)
• Chelcy Prince Exauce Bonazebi (Red Star)

Defenders:

• Chrislay Pedro Peya Ockomb (Etoile du Congo)
• Guy Chancy Danga (AC Leopards)
• Beranger Richy Itoua (AS Otoho)
• Charles Atipo Konde (AS Otoho)
• Macare Sambi-Elenga (Interclub)
• Prince Moundza Mapata (AS Otoho)
• Van Igor Boukaka Landou (Red Star)
• Divin Pachoud De Nzingoula (Interclub)

Midfielders:

• Japhet Eloi Mankou Nguembete (Interclub)
• Wilfrid Nkaya (AS Otoho)
• Mignion Koto (Interclub)
• Elie Andzouono (AS Otoho)
• Dechan Rayan Moussavou (AC Leopards)
• Bridy Dieu-Veil Kouedmar Diatho (AS BNG)
• Carly Ekongo Landou (AS Cheminots)
• Gedeon Nongo (AS Otoho)
• Dericka-Chadrac Ossebi Debon (AC Leopards)

Forwards:

• De Vincent Venold Dzaba Kouakou (Interclub)
• Brudet Vigel Okana (AC Leopards)
• Hergie Victor Mossala (AS Otoho)
• Elenga Gosim Duvan (Diables Noirs)
• Gloire Migel Ngambali Onguele (Diables Noirs)
• Grace Euphrate Nsemi (Interclub)
• Yannick Lecuir Linouaka (Diables Noirs)

With the coaching staff confirmed and the initial squad assembled, Congo will be looking to put the qualification controversy behind them and focus on making a strong impression at the upcoming CHAN tournament, which kicks off on August 2nd. Their journey in Group D promises to be a stern test against some of the continent’s top homegrown talents.

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