The Leopards are roaring loud and proud as they make history for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), sending shockwaves across their 116 million-strong nation with an unprecedented World Cup run that's left even the most hardened critics purring in amazement. For the first time in 52 years, the DRC has secured a place in the knockout phase, and what a story it is – one of unity, resilience, and raw emotion that's transcended the nation's deep-seated fractures.
After drawing with Portugal, suffering a narrow defeat to Colombia, and securing a thumping 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan – where Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa netted two goals – this plucky outfit has earned itself a last-32 showdown against England. And Wissa, 29, is leading from the front, emphasising the team's unwavering dedication to their homeland: "We deserve to play England. We've worked bloody hard for this. You know it's not easy in our country – there's war in eastern Congo. Every time we wear this shirt, we think about them."
Wissa's commitment extends far beyond the 90 minutes, though; in 2022, he spent part of his holiday in the conflict-affected North Kivu region, using his platform to showcase the area's stunning natural beauty – green hills, volcanic landscapes, and endemic wildlife that defy the prevailing narrative of war and displacement. This gesture has resonated deeply, especially in Kivu, where Wissa is admired not just for his Premier League prowess but also for reminding people that their region is more than a battlefield.
The DRC – a vast nation roughly ten times the size of the UK, stretching from the Atlantic to the borders of Rwanda and Uganda – is a complex tapestry of over 300 ethnic communities and languages. Its eastern provinces, including North and South Kivu, are partially occupied by the M23 rebel movement, supported by Rwanda, and geographically distant from the capital, Kinshasa. Yet, against all odds, the national team has become a unifying force – celebrating their World Cup successes from Kinshasa to Lubumbashi (where regionals tensions run high) and even in the conflict-ridden cities of Goma and Bukavu.
Veron Mosengo Omba, the newly elected president of the Congolese Football Federation, was overcome with emotion as he witnessed the scenes: "Even in occupied areas of eastern Congo, people are coming out into the streets to celebrate. This collective joy underscores the team's significance – demonstrating how sport can momentarily bridge divides and foster a shared sense of national pride amidst ongoing adversity."