Congo have announced their final squad for two important Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Comoros as they attempt to revive their campaign and improve their position in Group G
Head coach Claude Le Roy has selected 24 players for the double-header, which will see the Red Devils face Comoros in matchdays three and four of the qualifying competition.
The squad announcement comes at a critical moment for Congo, who currently sit at the bottom of Group G following a difficult opening to their qualification campaign.
The Congolese began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Namibia before securing a 1-1 draw with Cameroon. Those results have left them with little room for further setbacks as they seek to remain in contention for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Two defensive selections have attracted particular attention, with Nehemiah Fernandez of AS Nancy retaining his place and Morgan Poaty of Lausanne-Sport earning a surprise inclusion in the final squad.
However, the omission of Niels Nkounkou, the OGC Nice full-back who featured in the provisional selection, is another notable development in Le Roy’s final list.
Fernandez and Poaty provide fresh defensive options
Fernandez and Poaty are among the most significant talking points from the latest squad announcement, with both players strengthening the options available to the Congolese coach.
Fernandez, who plays for French club AS Nancy, has secured his place in the final selection after being included in the earlier squad preparations.
The 21-year-old’s inclusion is particularly notable because of his previous involvement with France’s youth national teams. His decision to represent Congo adds another defensive option to Le Roy’s squad.
Poaty’s selection, meanwhile, has come as a surprise. The Lausanne-Sport defender was not included in the provisional list released earlier but has now been added to the final 24-man group.
His late inclusion gives Le Roy another alternative in defence as Congo prepare for two fixtures that could have a major influence on their qualifying prospects.
The coach appears to have placed considerable emphasis on strengthening his defensive options ahead of the upcoming matches.
Nkounkou misses out on final selection
One of the biggest omissions from the final squad is Nkounkou, who plays for French side OGC Nice.
The full-back had featured in the extended squad announced several days earlier, raising expectations that he could be part of the group for the November international fixtures.
However, he has not made the final cut, with Le Roy opting for a different defensive combination.
Despite Nkounkou’s absence, the coach has named 24 players as he prepares his team for the demanding assignment against Comoros.
The final selection also confirms Fernandez’s place in the squad, while Poaty’s unexpected arrival provides an additional option that was not part of the original provisional group.
Red Devils face crucial test in Group G
Congo’s immediate attention now turns to the two matches against Comoros, with the results likely to have significant consequences for their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Red Devils have endured a challenging start to the campaign and currently occupy the bottom position in Group G.
Their opening defeat to Namibia was followed by a 1-1 draw against Cameroon, leaving them under pressure to collect more points in the remaining fixtures.
Although their position is difficult, Congo remain in contention and have an opportunity to improve their standing through positive results in the upcoming double-header.
Le Roy will therefore be hoping that his selected players can deliver improved performances and take advantage of the opportunity to put their qualification campaign back on track.
With two matches against Comoros approaching, Congo’s November fixtures represent an important opportunity for the Red Devils to demonstrate their competitiveness and keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON alive.
