Congo: Senegalese Omar Daf appointed coach of the U23 Red Devils

Congo has entrusted its under-23 national team to Omar Daf. The former Senegalese international was appointed coach of the Red Devils U23 by the Congolese Football Federation (Fécofoot), a decision announced on October 1, 2026, and signed by the organization's new president, Éric Alain Mantot, according to Seneweb.

Daf is not entering unknown territory. He has been based in Congo since June 2026, where he serves as an assistant to Claude Le Roy on the senior team's bench. He will therefore hold both positions, with the mission, according to Seneweb, of participating in the reconstruction and preparing a new generation of players.

An almost entirely Congolese staff

The U23 technical staff combines local expertise with the Senegalese pipeline. According to Wiwsport, Daf will be supported by assistant coaches Donga Cyrille and Ondina Hugues, physical trainer Moukouyou Éric, team doctor Eboué Grégoire, physiotherapist Lounou Joste, and administrator Bemba Essoumba. The position of goalkeeper coach goes to Oumar Diallo, another former Senegalese international.

A coach with experience in the French Ligue 2

Omar Daf first made a name for himself as a defender for the Senegal national team before beginning a coaching career in France, where he notably managed FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and Amiens SC, recalls Wiwsport. His arrival at the head of an African national team is part of a trend emerging on the continent: African technicians trained and seasoned abroad who are returning to lead national teams, in decision-making roles rather than just as support staff.

The Red Devils under construction

The sporting context is demanding. Still according to Wiwsport, Daf experienced the first two matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with the senior team: a 1-0 defeat against Namibia and a 1-1 draw against Cameroon. Congo is competing in Group G, alongside Cameroon, Namibia, and the Comoros.

Hence the value of the dual role: the U23s are the antechamber to the senior team, and the pool from which a country like Congo must draw if it wants to return to major continental tournaments. The success of an African national team project is measured not only by the results of the senior side, but by its ability to bring up, year after year, players ready for that level.