DR Congo declares national holiday after reaching World Cup for first time in 52 years

DR Congo declares national holiday after reaching World Cup for first time in 52 years 9 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Wedaeli Chibelushi Authorities in the Democratic Republic 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 said that as a result of the "historic" victory, the nation could 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 the country was named Zaire. Tuesday's match was an intense affair , with former Manchester United player Tuanzebe only breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute. Elated football fans celebrated in the capital, Kinshasa after the team's victory was confirmed just before 01:00 local time on Wednesday morning. One supporter told the BBC: "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 been battered by decades of conflict. The fighting escalated early last year when the M23 rebel group captured swathes of territory in the country's east. Although neighbouring Rwanda is widely believed to be supporting the M23 and the two countries' leaders have exchanged bitter insults in recent years, Rwanda's government has congratulated DR Congo on qualifying. Deputy government spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera said in a post on X: Leopards stepping up for Africa! Congratulations DR Congo, go make the continent proud on the world stage. In the Kinshasa neighbourhood of Kingabwa, some fans took to the streets chanting: "Christiano Ronaldo is next". DR Congo's first match will be against Ronaldo's Portugal in the US city of Houston on 17 June. They will also play Col...