Jean-Michel Ongagna

Jean-Michel Ongagna was a Congolese footballer. Nicknamed "Excellent", he played as a forward for Étoile du Congo throughout the 1960s and the 1970s. He also represented his home country of Congo–Brazzaville, being a part of the winning squad for the 1972 African Cup of Nations.

Club career

Ongagna began his youth career by playing for Pergola de Cognac François in Poto-Poto within the Grande École there alongside other players such as Massembo Yako, Loumeto and Maloumbi. He then spent his senior career playing for Étoile du Congo on a club level. He was a part of the winning squad for the 1968 Congo Ligue 1 as he was named the best Congolese footballer the year prior. He was primarily characterized by the use of his left foot to score goals, serving as one of the main goalscorers for the club.

International career

Ongagna was first called up to represent at the 1965 All-Africa Games where he won the gold medal at the football tournament held there. He later played in the 1968 Africa Cup of Nations where the club ended up in the group stage. He found far greater success upon the next Congolese qualification for the tournament through the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations as the club would win their only title in the tournament as of.

Personal life

Ongagna died on 6 July 2021 at Ouenzé, Brazzaville at his home by Makoua Street.