Head coach Claude Le Roy has published a list of 25 players for the double header against Comoros, with newcomer Nehemiah Fernandez (AS Nancy), the surprise inclusion of Morgan Poaty (Lausanne-Sport) and the absence of Niels Nkounkou (Nice).
Claude Le Roy, the Congo head coach, published a list of 25 players on 30 October in Brazzaville for the two matches against Comoros, qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, The Congo Mail reports. The Red Devils, bottom of their group, go into this double confrontation still in the hunt to revive their qualifying campaign.
According to Africa Soccer, the squad mixes experienced regulars with young players plying their trade in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It includes a newcomer, AS Nancy defender Nehemiah Fernandez, and a surprise in Morgan Poaty, the Lausanne-Sport defender. Niels Nkounkou (Nice), for his part, is absent.
A list without Nkounkou
Claude Le Roy’s list does not include Niels Nkounkou, the Nice defender. The reason for his withdrawal is not specified.
Nehemiah Fernandez (AS Nancy), by contrast, makes his appearance in the squad, as does Morgan Poaty (Lausanne-Sport), whose call-up is presented as a surprise by the pan-African outlet.
The head coach has also selected several players from European leagues. The defence includes Yhoan Andzouana (Konyaspor), Makosso Christ (AJ Auxerre), Mazikou Bradley (Servette) and Mouanga Kevin (Kasımpaşa). The midfield brings together Makoumbou Antoine (Sampdoria), Makouta Gaius (Alanyaspor), Massanga Chandrel (Eyüpspor) and Merveil Ndockyt, a midfielder at AS FAR.
In goal, Claude Le Roy has called up Ndinga Perrault (Tusker FC, Kenya), Trey Vimalin (US Torcy, France) and Zinga Melvin (Angers SCO, France). The attack features Bifouma Thievy (Persepolis), Mbenza Guy (LN Tieren) and Mboula Jordi (AE Kifisia), among others.
Bottom but not eliminated
The Red Devils go into this double header bottom of their group, according to Africa Soccer. They remain in the running to revive their qualifying campaign, however, and these two meetings with Comoros therefore count towards that goal.
The 2027 AFCON, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, is the prize at stake in these qualifiers. The list combines a core of players based abroad with figures such as Nehemiah Fernandez and Morgan Poaty.
Two dates in November
The first match will be played on 13 November 2026 at the Malouzini stadium in Comoros, before the return leg scheduled for 17 November 2026 at the Alphonse Massamba Débat stadium in Brazzaville, The Congo Mail reports. The two meetings will therefore be played four days apart.