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The Democratic Republic of the Congo is gaining the respect of the world
Congo’s dream came to a bitter end on a night when qualification looked closer than ever when Harry Kane snuffed out Africa’s candle at the 2026 World Cup by sealing England’s place in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, DRC coach Sébastien Desabre looked on with pride at his players’ disappointment.
The French coach did not hide the bitterness of the farewell in the conversation with the TV channel beIN Sports: He insisted on praising his men after the 2-1 defeat by England.
“We are disappointed because we believed in our ability to win. We had a good match. In the end we wasted two chances and one of the best players in the world scored twice against us. It’s a shame.”
Despite the exit, Desabre emphasized that the Congolese team left the tournament with their heads held high after making a good impression. “Football players should be congratulated for what they did. They gained experience playing against similar level teams. This is how Congolese football is built.”
The coach admitted that the experience factor decided the confrontation in the last moments. “We lacked a bit of experience in the end and that’s the nature of football. We’re learning and we’re continuing to improve, and we’re steadily on our way.”
Desabre did not miss the opportunity to address Kane again, emphasizing. “One of the best players in the world scored two goals against us, it’s a shame.”
The Congolese coach concluded his remarks with a message of pride for his people. “We fought in the spirit of the Congolese people. We performed well against one of the best teams in the world and showed fighting spirit. This is what they will remember about the Congo.”
Congo bid farewell to the World Cup but gained the world’s respect after holding out against England until the last minute, in a game where Harry Kane spelled the end and Desabre and his players spelled a new beginning for Congolese football.
