Sebastien Desabre: “DR Congo’s feat is source of pride”

Head coach of DR Congo Sébastien Desabre has described the nation’s FIFA World Cup qualification as “a source of pride.”

The Frenchman supervised the Leopards’ historic return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years after triumphing over Jamaica in the final playoffs Pathway.

🎙️ 𝗦𝗘́𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗥𝗘

« C’est une fierté, d’abord pour les Congolais 🇨🇩 , parce qu’on sait qu’on est extrêmement suivi. Les fans sont encore là aujourd’hui, très nombreux, et ils font beaucoup de sacrifices. Il est important que tout le monde sache que le Congo a… pic.twitter.com/DZvD2VW0Yz

— Zfootball (@_Zfootball) April 1, 2026

DR Congo needed an extra-time goal from Burnley defender, Axel Tuanzebe to secure a 1-0 win over the Reggae Boys at the Akron Stadium in Mexico on Tuesday.

In a post match interview, the former Esperance de Tunis manager expressed joy over the feat chalked.

Axel Tuanzebe’s goal qualified DR Congo

“It’s a source of pride, first and foremost for the Congolese , because we know we’re extremely popular.

“The fans are still here today, in huge numbers, and they make a lot of sacrifices. It’s important for everyone to know that Congo has good players, brave and resilient.

“I’m proud of my players, my staff, the government’s support that’s always behind us, and the federation.

“Today I’m proud of what they’ve done. It deserves to be celebrated. I’m proud for the Congolese who will celebrate this tonight.”

Tuanzebe who represented England at U-21 level added his voice after helping the side secure the important win.

“To get the winning goal for ‌the country, ‌this is what, as a young boy, ‌you ⁠dream about,” said ⁠Tuanzebe.

“It’s happened for me, and I’m so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country.”

DR Congo are returning to the global stage

DR Congo eliminated Nigeria during the CAF playoffs in Morocco where the full time ended 1-1.

They went ahead to win the penalty shootout contest 4-3 to progress to the inter-confederation playoffs.

DR Congo are returning to the global stage for the first since 1974 where they entered the tournament as Zaire.

They will now join Group K at the ‌finals with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan for the tournament to be co-hosted by Canada, USA and Mexico.