In brief
The Democratic Republic of Congo has declared a national holiday following its national football team's qualification for the World Cup after a 52-year hiatus. The Leopards secured their spot with a crucial extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe, leading to nationwide celebrations and a call for unity among citizens. DR Congo will compete against countries like Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in the upcoming tournament.
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 as a result of the historic victory, the nation would have the day off work to celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride.
The Central African nation has only played in the World Cup once before - in 1974 when it was named Zaire.
Tuesday's match was an intense affair, with former Manchester United player Tuanzebe only breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute.
Videos of elated football fans celebrating in the capital, Kinshasa, have been circulating on social media. In the neighborhood of Kingabwa, supporters took to the streets chanting Cristiano Ronaldo is next.
DR Congo's first match will be against Ronaldo's Portugal in the US city of Houston on 17 June, and they will also play Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stages.
DR Congo are the 10th African nation to reach this year's expanded World Cup finals, hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Additional reporting from Emery Makumeno in Kinshasa
