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Presidential message excites Republic of Congo coach after reaching Afcon quarters

Xinhua, January 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Claude Le Roy, head coach of Republic of Congo is a happy man after French President Francois Hollande sent him a congratulatory message after the team reached the quarterfinal of the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Republic of Congo re-wrote the country's history when they beat Burkina Faso 2-1 on Sunday to reach the last eight. The team had never won a game at the Afcon in 41 years, but started it off with a 1-0 win over Gabon and followed it with the victory over the 2013 finalists Burkina Faso.

"It is really a great moment for the President Francois Hollande to send me that text thanking us for the work well done. I feel humbled," said the French born coach. The 66-year-old coach who has been around the African continent for over 15 years said they will continue to work hard because they believe they can even do better.

Le Roy has managed Cameroon, with whom he won the title, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana and has now coached in 34 matches at the finals since his first in 1986.

Republic of Congo will play in Bata on Saturday against the runners-up in Group B, which will be determined on Monday.

"We are taking a step at a time. We need to continue to sow to reap the rewards of our efforts and go as far as possible in the competition. It is a new chapter that we are busy writing," said Prince Oniangue, the team captain. Endi