In brief
In an emotional turn of events, the Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, leading the government to declare a national holiday. The Leopards secured their spot with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica, thanks to a decisive extra-time goal. Celebrations erupted across the nation as fans expressed their pride amidst ongoing challenges.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared Wednesday a public holiday after the national football team qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years.
The Leopards reached the finals on Tuesday when Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the play-off.
DR Congo's ministry of labour and employment stated that due to the historic victory, the nation should take the day off work to celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride.
The central African nation has only previously participated in the World Cup once, back in 1974 when it was known as Zaire.
Tuesday's match was intense, with Tuanzebe breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute.
Fans celebrated in the capital, Kinshasa, after the victory was confirmed just before 01:00 local time on Wednesday morning. One supporter remarked, Whatever we may be feeling at the moment, amidst pain and war and occupation, this victory makes us proud... I feel so emotional and happy.
DR Congo has faced decades of conflict, with tensions escalating last year as the M23 rebel group captured territory in the east. Despite this, even the Rwandan government, with which DR Congo has had strained relations, congratulated the team on their qualification.
Elated fans were heard chanting, Cristiano Ronaldo is next, highlighting their excitement as DR Congo's first match in the World Cup will be against Portugal in Houston on 17 June. They will also face Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stages.
DR Congo is now the 10th African nation to reach this year's expanded World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
