Congo’s CHAN dreams dashed amid governance chaos

Brazzaville’s football crisis has deepened as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disqualified Congo from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The decision followed a successful protest by Equatorial Guinea, alleging the ineligibility of Congolese player Mankou Nguembete Japhet Eloi. As a result, Congo forfeits both qualifying matches, officially losing 3-0 in each.

The CAF disciplinary panel rejected Congo’s defense, pointing out that the evidence submitted by an ad-hoc commission of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) was invalid.

The commission is not recognized by CAF, a direct consequence of the ongoing power struggle between FECOFOOT and the Ministry of Sports.

This internal conflict has not only tarnished Congo’s football reputation but also left the national team vulnerable on the international stage. While FECOFOOT faces a $10,000 fine payable within 60 days, the federation may appeal the decision.

For many Congolese fans, the incident is emblematic of a broader dysfunction in sports administration, where disputes between key stakeholders continue to overshadow athletic performance.

As the CHAN tournament moves on without Congo, the question remains: when will governance issues stop hindering the country’s football aspirations?