DR Congo chasing World Cup return more than 50 years after last appearance

The Democratic Republic of Congo, back when it was called Zaire, last took part in the World Cup finals over half a century ago. They made history as the initial nation from sub-Saharan Africa to reach that stage, yet they exited the 1974 competition in West Germany with their standing in tatters.

Today, they can rewrite that chapter by getting past the Reggae Boyz in Tuesdays showdown in Guadalajara, as part of the inter-confederation playoff.

Jamaica secured their spot in this final playoff with a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia in the Mexican venue on Friday, while DR Congo earned direct entry as a seeded team.

The Congolese progressed via a playoff event in Morocco last November, first beating Cameroon and then narrowly defeating Nigeria in a performance that highlighted their capabilities, especially after coming just short of Senegal in their African qualification section.

The coach Sebastien Desabre expressed high enthusiasm for the prospect of reaching the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the US come June.

We remain focused on our primary aim, the target I established when starting this role three and a half years back. This match marks our 13th outing since the qualification process started, he noted.

With Desabre at the helm, the team reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier in 2024, though they were eliminated in the last 16 during the most recent African tournament in Morocco this January.

DR Congo gains a lift from the comeback of vital forward Yoane Wissa, sidelined for the Morocco event but who netted in Wednesdays 2-0 friendly win against Bermuda in Guadalajara.

Desabre highlighted their fortune in possessing skilled players at leading clubs.

Most importantly, the whole squad has embraced the vision we have developed collectively. All are united in pursuit of a shared ambition.

We pose a real challenge to rivals because we operate as one: attackers defend, defenders advance, and the group moves forward like troops fighting for their nation, remarked the French-born manager.

Qualification would raise the count of African sides at the World Cup to 10, following the tournaments growth to 48 participants.

In 1974, as the only African entrant, they endured a 9-0 thrashing by Yugoslavia, plus defeats to Brazil and Scotland. Their tactics drew criticism for simplicity, leading to the squads dissolution upon return.

Yet, 52 years on, a chance exists to erase any remaining poor impressions.

The victor of the DR Congo versus Jamaica encounter joins Group K at the World Cup, beginning with Portugal in Houston on June 17th, followed by Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23rd, and then Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27th.