Overview

• The squad refused to train on Monday, hours before a decisive World Cup 2026 qualifier against Burundi scheduled for Tuesday night.
• Coach Thierry Mouyouma said bonuses pledged after AFCON qualification in November 2024 have still not been paid and players have waited nearly a year.
• Players criticized lodging and equipment conditions, saying they were forced to wear the same training gear for several days without it being washed.
• A training session on October 12 in Bongoville was canceled due to a power outage, adding to frustrations over logistics.
• Mouyouma insisted the team’s focus remains intact for the match, and there was no confirmation that the payment dispute had been resolved.