Congo-Brazzaville is renowned for its wildlife. It is known for its dynamic and vibrant culture, its passion for conversation and fine clothing, as well as its commitment to sport. Amidst the numerous oil rigs, the country is home to many stadiums and makeshift playing fields where people socialise and play sport. The nation is deeply committed to various global, regional and local sporting activities; as a young nation, its energy is drawn not only from the oil wells it exploits but also from the sports teams it fields. Sport animates and punctuates the daily lives of the Congolese. From one end of Congo-Brazzaville to the other, from Bétou to Point Noire, sport is an activity that holds great importance and is respected throughout the country.

They offer Congolese people a chance to escape or a sense of well-being. They can be practised in teams or individually, and are often recommended by health professionals as a way to stay fit. It is an activity that promotes physical activity and fosters engagement. It has its own ministry, shared with the Ministry of Youth, and its office is located on Avenue Charles de Gaulle in Brazzaville. A major discipline whose fundamentals are compulsory in schools. Sport often accompanies Congolese men and women throughout their lives. Sport, which signifies self-care, is even more prevalent in privileged circles where it is practised in a personalised manner. In working-class communities, it brings groups together and unites them. And generally speaking, it puts on a fine show, whatever form it takes.

In this article, we take a look at sport in Congo Brazzaville: how it is organised and what role it plays in everyday life:

How does Congo manage its sports on a day-to-day basis?

Its place in society, the national team, major victories – we tell you everything!

Sport in society:

As a subject whose core elements are officially incorporated into the school curriculum from the age of 6 through an introduction to athletics, sport is an important social value. There are numerous gyms in the capital: CONTENAIR on Avenue du Cardinal Émilie Biayenda, CONGO FITNESS GYM on Rue Makotipoko, CAP FITNESS CLUB on Rue Mampiri, VEGA FITNESS Bangou Plateau,…

In Congo Brazzaville, whilst sport is primarily a male-dominated activity, there are women interested in the lifestyle who are active in the sport.

The sports that attract the most people are weight training and team sports such as basketball, football, handball and athletics.

Taking part in sport is well regarded and often associated with good health.

In the education system, the sports taught during the school curriculum are: football, basketball, handball, volleyball, running, throwing and jumping.

Other sports such as Nzango (a traditional dance sport) are also very popular with the population. Boxing and handball competitions are regularly organised in the capital. Sport is a major part of life in the Congo and is practised by many people of all ages. It is not uncommon to walk through the streets of Brazzaville and see people playing sport in groups or on their own. Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the capital.

National teams:

Football: The Red Devils – no, this isn’t the Belgian team that regularly shines on the international stage, in the European Championship, the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup; it is in fact the national team of Congo-Brazzaville, which also goes by the name of the Red Devils. The Red Devils regularly compete in the Africa Cup of Nations and achieved a historic victory in 1972.

Basketball: Also nicknamed the Red Devils, the national basketball team is managed by the Congolese Basketball Federation (FECOKET)
It is a squad that has boasted and continues to boast many talented players. To date, the squad has yet to win a major competition.

Handball: Once again, the Red Devils; it is also the name of the national handball team of Congo-Brazzaville. The team is managed by the Congolese Handball Federation (FECOHAND). Whilst the men’s team has never reached the top step of the podium (winning two bronze medals and one silver medal at the African Cup of Nations and the African Games), the women’s team has been crowned African Cup of Nations champions four times.

Volleyball: Once again, the Red Devils. This is also the name of the national volleyball team. It is run by the Congolese National Volleyball Federation. Although renowned for its regional victories, the Congo Brazzaville national volleyball team has yet to win a major title.

Rugby: The Brazza Bulls is the name of the national rugby team. In this sport, Congo Brazzaville has two teams competing in various championships. The rugby sevens team, which plays 14-minute matches, and the rugby union team, which plays 80-minute matches. The teams are managed by the national rugby federation. The rugby sevens team was crowned champions of the Malébo International Tournament during the first edition of the tournament in 2022.

Major victories:

1972: The men’s football team were crowned African champions for the first time following a very close match against Mali. The final score was 3–2. The tournament took place in Cameroon, with the final played at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé. This was a major victory for Congo; by winning the match, Congo became the eighth winner of the Africa Cup of Nations.
This victory was a memorable one for Congo-Brazzaville, as football remains the country’s most popular sport. It is a sport played just as much in remote rural areas as in cities, as little infrastructure is needed to organise a match. It grants the country entry into the rather exclusive group of Africa Cup of Nations winners, which stands at 15 countries as of the 35th edition of the tournament.