Congo back in World Cup qualifiers and with new coach

Italian-born coach Fabrizo Cesena has been promoted up from his duties with Congo’s junior team to lead the Diables Rouges as they prepare for next week’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tanzania.

He will have a 26-man squad for the match on September 5 in Brazzaville, which marks Congo’s return to the qualifying campaign.

The country is being allowed to continue participating in the World Cup qualifiers despite missing two fixtures in March when they were suspended by FIFA.

Congo were not allowed to participate in any international competition, which meant they did not honour qualifiers against Tanzania and Niger in March.

But they will play Tanzania in their Group E encounter next Friday and conclude their fixtures in October with matches against Niger and Morocco.

Congo have no points in the group, which Morocco leads by with 15 points, six more than second-placed Tanzania.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Chelcy Bonazebi (Red Star), Ulrich Samba (AS Otoho), Fresnel Wamba (Étoile du Congo)

Defenders: Charles Atipo (AS Otoho), Pachou de Zingoula (Interclub), Beranger Itoua (AS Otoho), John Kapaya (Etoile du Congo), Berlohd Mbemba (Al Merrikh, Sudan), Prince Mouandza (AS Otoho), Peya Ockomb (Etoile du Congo), Morgan Poaty (Lausanne Sport, Switzerland), Djigo Saikou (MB Rouissat, Algeria)

Midfielders: Venold Dzaba (Interclub), Inno Loemba (Colombe Sportive, Cameroon), Chandrel Massanga (Hatayspor, Turkey), Gedeon Nongo (AS Otoho), Grace Nsemi (Interclub), Dericka Ossebi (AC Leopards), Digne Pounga (Atalanta, Italy)

Forwards: Deo Bassinga (FC Dila Gori, Georgia), Mons Bassouamina (Pafos, Cyprus), Carly Ekongo (AS Cheminots), Christophr Ibayi (Thun, Switzerland), Japhet Mankou (Interclub), Grace Mavougou (AS Otoho), Dechan Moussavou (AC Leopards).