The Democratic Republic of Congo, a land of football passion, sees its Leopards A’ reaffirm their ambition on the African stage. Under the leadership of Otis Ngoma, a new tactical era is emerging, combining rigor and modernity. After a hesitant start, the team is reborn at the 2025 CHAN with a confident style and promising results. Today, the DRC confidently moves forward towards the final stages, determined to write a new glorious page.
Otis Ngoma, the coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leopards A’, embodies a new generation of ambitious and modern technicians. At around 44 years old, he is known for his tactical rigor and approach focused on controlled possession and a constructed game, where the midfield dictates the tempo. Versatile and pragmatic, Otis adapts his strategies based on the specifics of each opponent, combining solid defense and quick transitions to surprise his rivals.
« When coming out of a summer break, the boys need 4 to 6 weeks of preparation. And it’s not just the Leopards who are preparing for this competition, » Gration confides. « The real danger is for the future: if players are not well prepared in their Ligue 1 clubs, they risk health problems. They lack an essential foundation of physical preparation. »
OTIS NGOMA, Leopards A’ Coach – DR CONGO
Otis Ngoma had a difficult start in coaching the Leopards A’. During the 2022 CHAN in Algeria, the DRC failed to advance past the first round, with two draws and a loss to Senegal. This record contrasts with the performances of its predecessors, Jean Santos Muntubile and Jean Florent Ibenge, who both led the DRC to continental glory in 2009 and 2016. With this experience and a renewed team, at the 2025 CHAN, Otis Ngoma advocates for possession football and a strict defense, which paid off during the 2-0 victory against Zambia.
« There, we did our best with the boys. » Mentally, they know that the preparation was short. My role is to push them, to make them tap into their last resources to go all the way and win these matches. »
OTIS NGOMA, Leopards A’ Coach – DR CONGO
Under the leadership of Otis Ngoma, the DR Congo Leopards A’ have brilliantly passed the group stage at the 2025 CHAN. In the quarterfinals, every match is crucial for the title. Their tactical discipline and determination, combined with a promising generation and a sharp strategy, offer a unique chance to make history and reaffirm the power of Congolese football in Africa.
