🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Congo appoints Claude Le Roy as national coach, Omar Daf as assistant
via SeneNews1 min read
The Republic of Congo has officially appointed Claude Le Roy as the national coach of the Red Devils, with former Senegalese international Omar Daf named as assistant coach. The Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Civic Education announced these appointments on June 9, 2026. The official contract signing ceremony is scheduled for June 22 in Brazzaville, to be presided over by the Minister in charge of Sports, and attended by the President of the Congolese Football Federation, Henri Ndzianga, among other sports officials. This new sports project aims to initiate a new cycle focused on rebuilding the national team, strengthening technical supervision, and fostering closer ties between the Red Devils and their supporters. The primary mission for the new technical staff is to prepare for upcoming international competitions, with a priority objective of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The project also emphasizes improving the team's competitiveness, discipline, and promoting local talent. Omar Daf, 49, continues his coaching career after playing internationally for Senegal. He has managed several clubs in France, including FC Sochaux and Amiens SC, and holds the Professional Football Coach's Certificate BEPF and a UEFA License. He was also part of the Lions' coaching staff during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Former French international Luis Fernandez has cautioned the French national team about Senegal ahead of their 2026 World Cup opening match on June 16. Fernandez, a consultant for beIN SPORTS and a 1984 European champion with France, believes the Senegalese team possesses the qualities to cause an upset. He highlighted the potential and determination of the Lions of Teranga, considering them formidable opponents in the group stage. Fernandez noted that Senegal is an African nation that has consistently shown potential and motivation. The former Paris Saint-Germain coach also emphasized the added motivation of Senegalese players, many of whom play or have played in the French league, which intensifies their desire to perform well against France. He openly expressed his concern, stating, "Yes, yes, I am afraid of the Senegal team. I say it openly. Senegal can certainly be a team that can surprise." This statement underscores the respect the Lions command internationally. Against a French team led by Kylian Mbappé, Pape Thiaw's squad will aim to confirm their status as ambitious underdogs in the 2026 World Cup.
Must ReadIrregular migration from Senegal to the Canary Islands, along with associated deaths, significantly decreased in 2025, according to data from the Data Collection and Analysis Center on Migration CCADM of the Interministerial Committee for the Fight Against Irregular Migration CILMI. Modou Diagne, Permanent Secretary of CILMI, stated that arrivals of Senegalese nationals in the Canary Islands dropped from 9,554 in 2024 to 4,918 in 2025. Deaths on migratory routes also fell from 10,457 in 2024 to 3,090 in 2025. Authorities attribute this trend to strengthened border controls and intensified maritime surveillance operations, which led to the interception of 6,662 migrants, nearly 60% of whom were foreign nationals. Additionally, 309 alleged smugglers were brought to justice, and 63 boats used in irregular migration networks were seized. Despite these results, authorities emphasize that the phenomenon remains a concern, calling for continued prevention efforts and the fight against smuggling networks. During a national workshop focused on developing strategic messages to combat irregular migration and promote local opportunities, participants stressed the need to strengthen awareness campaigns and further develop local economic opportunities. Nathalie Brayard Vom Stein, representative of the European Union delegation in Senegal, highlighted the importance of promoting a new narrative around migration, based on local successes and opportunities for young people.
Must ReadFormer French international Marcel Desailly has challenged the notion that Morocco won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, asserting that Senegal remains the true champion based on on-field performance. In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, Desailly, a 1998 World Cup and 2000 European champion, emphasized the distinction between administrative decisions and sporting achievements. He stated, "We cannot say that Morocco won the AFCON. On the field, for me, the African champion remains Senegal." Desailly believes that the victor of a continental tournament should be determined by sporting performance and the players' experiences on the pitch, rather than external decisions. He further differentiated between the perspectives of governing bodies and those involved in the game, noting that administrative decisions, commissions, and appeals are separate matters for tribunals to decide. However, for the players and the locker room, what truly matters is their experience on the field.