Florent Ibengé has announced that he has stepped down from his position as head coach of DR Congo.

Ibengé handed in his resignation letter to his bosses at the Federation of Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) on Wednesday.

Ibengé joins a growing list of coaches who have left their positions after a disappointing Afcon campaign in Egypt.

Ibenge, 57, had an usually long five-year tenure in charge of the Congolese side and has been doubling up as head coach of Congolese Club AS Vita. But he came under pressure after DR Congo suffered a shock defeat by debutants Madagascar on penalties in the last 16 of the tournament in Egypt last month.

In the2015 Afcon, Ibengé led the Leopards to a third placed finish and in the 2017 quarterfinals exit.

“When I began the job it was never my intention to stay for very long,” Ibenge said.

“I have ended up staying five years and that’s quite a long time and we have achieved some good things.

“The only thing I can say is thank you to the president of the federation, to AS Vita Club, a big thank you to the public who have supported me,” He said.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer