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The current squad has managed to achieve what the 1974 Leopards had aimed for – the first World Cup goal and point came against Portugal in their first game, then First win against Uzbekistan in the knockout stage.
DR Congo continues to struggle today, with the ongoing conflict in the east of the country and the recent Ebola virus outbreak affecting preparations for the World Cup.
“When we were last here, our jerseys looked different, the country was called Zaire, it was a completely different time,” supporter Tanya Maria told BBC Sport Africa in the US.
“The World Cup gave people an opportunity to invest in our country.
“And I think when people think about a country, when they think about the people who live there. That’s when change can happen.”
It is hoped that the new FACOF leadership, elected in May, can secure World Cup qualification and revive the domestic league.
The conditions are also very good for the players.
“We are very fortunate to have everything we need,” centre-back Axel Tuanzebe told the BBC just before scoring the crucial goal. An intercontinental playoff against Jamaica in March booked the team’s World Cup spot.
“We’re not wanting for anything and that enables us to go and do our best.”
The squad knows they are playing for a greater cause than mere success on the football field.
“It’s not easy in our country,” said striker Yoane Wisa after the win against Uzbekistan.
“There is a war going on in eastern Congo. Every day, every time we wear this shirt, we think about them.
“Because we want peace and for them, I just say ‘thank you’. Thank you because we came from far. We came from nothing to be here.
“Now we write our stories.”
For Cabala, Wednesday’s last-32 tie is “almost” bigger than Jungle Rumble.
The Leopards can certainly give a big blow to England’s ambitions of winning a second World Cup title.
Compiled by BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens from interviews with Peter Musembi, Lucy Provan, Ian Williams, Alassen Dia and Celestine Coroni.
