Congo: an ultimatum for coach Valdo

Valdo faced a tense session with the Fecofoot Executive Committee after Congo’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Brazzaville during the second day of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Brazilian coach and his staff were summoned to answer for the team’s performance.

Guy Mayolas, Fecofoot’s first vice-president, did not hold back. “We’re not paying you bonuses to come and watch the show we saw while civil servants, students, and retirees aren’t being paid. It was a farce on Sunday. Let’s be clear: if you’re not sure you can deliver, say so now. Otherwise, the Executive Committee’s decision is to fire you all,” he told Valdo and his staff, according to Stad’Afric.

Valdo, who was appointed after the departure of Frenchman Sébastien Migne, struggled to respond to his employers, particularly when questioned about the absence of midfielder Prince Oniangue, one of the main points of criticism. “Sometimes we make mistakes in our decisions, like everyone else. It was my first match. Why wasn’t Oniangue there? For me, he was in the same category as Ndinga,” the coach explained.

The situation highlights the precarious position of Congo in its AFCON qualifying group. After two matches, the Diables Rouges have only 1 point, while Zimbabwe and DR Congo lead the group with 4 points each. With the qualifiers moving forward rapidly, pressure is mounting on Valdo and his staff to turn results around and stabilize the team.

This confrontation underscores the high expectations placed on the coaching staff and the urgent need for Congo to improve performance if they hope to compete for a spot in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.