After 52 long years, the Democratic Republic of Congo have made it to the World Cup.
With history teetering on a three-match play-off run, including wins over Cameroon and Nigeria, Axel Tuanzebe tapped home late in extra-time to beat Jamaica and secure the long-awaited spot for the team nicknamed ‘The Leopards’.
The last time came in 1974, when the nation was called Zaire, where they became the first sub-Saharan African team to reach the tournament.
At the heart of Africa and the continent’s popular culture, the return of Congo is a story that means so much more. It’s a story being written within a wider landscape of social and political unrest in the nation.
When Congo play, home or away, standing up in the crowd is the unusual image of a statue-like man.
Although not present for the play-off final due to visa issues, his name is Michel Kuka Mboladinga and he typically stands for 45 minutes each half with his hand raised aloft without moving.
Congo supporter Michel Kuka Mboladinga pays tribute to Congo’s late prime minister Patrice Lumumba by remaining motionless
In doing so, he pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the nation’s first Prime Minister following independence from Belgium and a symbol of African liberation.
Now the football team, composed of those born in the country and children of the diaspora, are the flag bearer of Congolese pride.
This new Congo has the chance to redeem the nation’s last appearance in the competition.
A display marred with suggestions of neglect by the Zaire FA, a 9-0 drubbing by Yugoslavia and one of the most bizarre yellow cards in the competition’s history. The image of Mwepu Illunga charging out from a defensive wall to boot a Brazil free-kick before it was taken is an iconic one.
Leading the new Congo into their second World Cup is boss Sebastian Desabre. Very much an adopted “Zairewa” or Congolese, the French coach has spearheaded a revolution within the national team set-up.
Coach Sebastien Desabre is a popular figure amongst Congolese people
Not uncommon for some African nations, Desabre has had to do so in difficult circumstances. Often, amid reports of months without pay and substandard training conditions, Desabre has been unrelenting in his drive to improve Congolese football.
His calm demeanour, matched by a fierce passion and expressed with an astute tactical approach, makes him a joy to work with. Not least his decision to replace No 1 Lionel Mpasi with Timothy Fayulu ahead of a victorious penalty shoot-out against Nigeria to secure passage to the play-off. It was a stroke of genius a 2014 Louis van Gaal would have been proud of.
Desabre has been integral in convincing players to represent Congo
Despite failing to build on their semi-final finish in AFCON 2023 in the most recent instalment in January, where they suffered defeat in the round of 16, there’s been a feeling of a constant upward trajectory with Congo.
The important factor, though, is that Desabre is a coach that players want to play for. Under his stewardship, his work has attracted players who would previously have turned their noses up at playing for Congo.
Not necessarily out of a lack of love, but more so the reality that the other half of a split heritage provided a better opportunity to reach the highest stage while also offering appropriate means of training.
That has now changed. Tuanzebe, the extra-time goalscorer, is committed to his country of birth despite representing England at youth level.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who had been involved with Gareth Southgate’s England squad in 2019, is a stalwart at right-back after switching allegiance last year.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe pledged their allegiance to Congo in the last year
While the duo potentially represent players making the decision late on, 21-year-old Noah Sadiki tells a different story of a young player, full of potential at Sunderland and capable of representing Belgium but still choosing Congo.
In the past, players of Congolese heritage could have contributed to a dream line-up. Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku, Presnel Kimpembe, Steve Mandanda and Christopher Nkunku spring to mind. Perhaps a Desabre Congo would have steered their decisions to represent Belgium and France, respectively.
The likes of former Norwich striker Dieumerci Mbokani, alongside Yannick Bolasie’s skill and Robert Kidiaba’s famous bum shuffle celebration, were among a squad of players that stood to pave the way in years gone by.
Now, the likes of Newcastle reject turned Congo hero and captain Chancel Mbemba, and long-time LaLiga marksman Cedric Bakambu are tasked with leading the younger generation to places they themselves have never been.
Yet like always, with a Fimbu (a whip – demonstrated in their famous celebration) in hand, expect them to take to the stage in the summer with a will to succeed.
If you’re looking for a dark horse at the World Cup, you may not find one.
Instead, you may find a prowling leopard ready to spring a surprise or two.
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