Claude Le Roy reunion adds intrigue as Cameroon visit Congo in AFCON qualifier

Cameroon will look to make it two wins from two in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Congo in Brazzaville on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

The match at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat will see Cameroon come up against Claude Le Roy, the coach who led them to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1988. Le Roy, now 78, is in charge of Congo alongside former Senegal international Omar Daf.

Their first match in charge ended in a 1-0 away defeat by Namibia last Thursday. Congo had 11 attempts and enjoyed 47% possession, but only two shots were on target and they produced 0.62 expected goals. The Red Devils must offer a greater attacking threat if they are to trouble Cameroon.

Congo have not appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2015 and have lost seven of their past nine matches in Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying, excluding defeats by forfeit. Their record against Cameroon in senior competitive internationals, excluding the African Nations Championship, offers some encouragement: two wins and one defeat. However, those meetings date back to the 1970s.

Cameroon began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Comoros in Garoua. David Roy Nyengue, Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso scored, although the Indomitable Lions were not entirely convincing despite their result.

They registered 24 shots but managed only four on target and did not break the deadlock until the 39th minute against a Comoros side defending deep. After Comoros reduced the deficit to 2-1 early in the second half, David Pagou’s team had to wait until the 81st minute to secure the points.

Cameroon have generally been reliable away from home, losing only one of their past five away qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup. They have won two and drawn two in that run, with the only defeat coming against Cape Verde.

Congo’s recent official-match form is DDDNDD, while their record in all competitions is also DDDNDD. Cameroon’s corresponding records are VDVVNV and VVDDVV.

Le Roy could make changes, with Yvan Ikia Dimi, Merveil Ndockyt and Beni Namboka having impressed after coming on against Namibia. FIFA-eligible goalkeeper Melvin Zinga of Angers could also start.

Pagou remains without Carlos Baleba, while Nouhou Tolo, Devis Epassy and Christian Bassogog were not selected. Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have not been called up since the end of 2025, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has retired from international football.

Christian Kofane will be rested after going off injured against Comoros. Bil Nsongo, who replaced him, could make his first start alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso. Goalkeeper Blondy Noukeu and midfielder David Roy Nyengue, both first-time starters against Comoros, are also expected to retain their places.

Probable teams

Congo: Perrauld Ndinga; Mbemba Kambamba, Christ Makosso, Bryan Passi, Morgan Poaty; Domi Jaures Massoumou, Chandrel Massanga Matondo, Fred Dembi; Gaius Makouta, Christopher Ibayi, Bantsiele.

Cameroon: Blondy Nna Noukeu; Stephane Keller, Samuel Kotto, Duplexe Tchamba; Saidou Alioum, Arthur Avom, David Nyengue, Mahamadou Nagida; Bryan Mbeumo, Danny Namaso; Bil Nsongo.

Cameroon, ranked 43rd by Fifa compared with Congo’s 134th, are rated at 1.22 by Betclic to win.