Congo withdraws from World Cup qualifier due to stadium issues

Congo has withdrawn from match day 3 of the World Cup qualifier due to the non-approval of their stadium in Brazzaville. SportsRation reports.

While renovations were underway at the Alphonse Massamba Débat stadium in Brazzaville, the Congo Football Association, led by Sports Minister Hugues Ngouélondélé, approached authorities to relocate the match against the Mena of Niger to Kinshasha.

Despite awaiting inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Niger refused to play in Brazzaville and insisted on the game taking place in Kinshasha.

Consequently, Congo announced their withdrawal from match day 3 and opted to play against Morocco on match day 4 instead.

Ngouélondélé stated, “The Congo national team will not play in Kinshasa. We accept the package because Congo is a country of its word, and when we have given our word, we respect it. When we are faced with a situation that does not meet our values, we do not proceed with it. This is why the decision to forfeit was made.”

Currently, Congo sits at the bottom of the group standings.