TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Meet the Coach: Otis N'goma (DR Congo)
Otis N'Goma, a respected football figure in the Democratic Republic of Congo will lead The Leopards at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship this year.
At 59, this seasoned coach has established himself one of the most respected football strategists in the country.
Since his 2020 appointment, he has won the hearts of the Congolese with the team’s enterprising style of play in the national team’s local reserve team.
Fact File
Name: Otis N'Goma
Country of birth: Democratic Republic of Congo
Age: 59 years old
Selection: Democratic Republic of Congo Reserve
Appointment: 2020
Highlights of his career
N'Goma made a name for himself in Congolese football thanks to a memorable performance in a friendly match between the DRC Leopards and the France A' team in 2008. He was part of the team that kept the French in check with a 0-0 draw, highlighting its tactical abilities against a high-level opposition.
Style of play
N'Goma is a firm believer in possession football. His philosophy is based on the patient build ups from the back with a patient link from defense to attack. This method reflects his desire to control the match, while minimising the opposing initiatives.
Tactically versatile, N'Goma adapts his play according to the opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
Previous TotalEnergies CAF CHAN experience
N'Goma has two TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) competitions under his belt which was the 2020 edition in Cameroon as well as Algeria 2022.
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2020:
The Leopards shined bright in the group stages under the guidance of N’Goma, finishing top ahead of Congo, Niger and 2014 champions, Libya.
The journey ended in the quarterfinals where they were edged by tournament hosts, Cameroon in a closely contested 2-1 victory for the hosts.
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2022: It was a rather tough outing for N’Goma and his charges in Algeria where they failed to make it through the group stages, a statistic they will be hoping to change in the 2024 finals.
Did you know?
Before becoming a respected figure in Congolese football, Otis N'Goma made his debut as a coach in Valenciennes, in northern France, where he developed his playing philosophy.