Authorities in the Democratic Republic of 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 stated that due to 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 it was named Zaire. Tuesday's match was an intense affair, with Tuanzebe finally breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute.
Elated football fans celebrated in the capital, Kinshasa, after the 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 faced decades of conflict, which escalated early last year when the M23 rebel group captured swathes of territory in the country's east. Despite these challenges, Rwandan officials extended their congratulations to DR Congo on their qualification.
The Leopards, who will play their first match against Portugal in Houston on June 17, are set to also face Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stages. With this historic qualification, DR Congo becomes the 10th African nation to reach this year’s expanded World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
