For their grand return to the world stage, a first since 1974, the players of the Democratic Republic of Congo national team received a triumphant welcome in Kinshasa on Sunday.
Thousands of supporters gathered in the capital to celebrate the Leopards, who secured qualification after more than half a century of waiting.
President Félix Tshisekedi made a point of personally greeting the players and reiterating the commitment he had made before their qualification. "I promised them that if they qualified us for the World Cup, the Congolese people and the Congolese government would do everything they asked," he declared. The head of state then announced that he had already honored his word: each player present had received a car and a house from the government.
Captain Chancel Mbemba, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, emphasized the collective nature of this achievement. He thanked the authorities and the entire Congolese people for their unwavering support, stressing that this qualification, secured after a 52-year wait, represents a victory for the whole nation. He also paid tribute to previous generations, recalling that others had paved the way before the current team.
But this popular jubilation was accompanied by controversy. Detained in Kinshasa for the official ceremonies, Chancel Mbemba did not return to his club in time and missed the Northern derby between LOSC and RC Lens. His absence provoked the anger of the Lille club, which filed a complaint with FIFA to denounce the failure to respect the regulatory deadlines for the return of international players.
For the fans, seeing the captain share this historic moment with the people symbolized the strong bond between the team and the nation. "It's a great honor for us, and the president paid the players the tribute they deserve," said Kevin Nsimbi. He praised the team's determination, recalling the difficulties they faced and the focus the Leopards maintained until the very end to secure this qualification.
Now that the euphoria has subsided, it's time for preparation. The DRC must now focus on the World Cup, where they will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in the first round. A formidable challenge awaits the Leopards, now carried by the hopes of an entire nation.
