World Cup qualification brings rare moment of joy to Congo
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Congo qualified for the World Cup for the first time in over 50 years after Axel Tuanzebe scored a 100th-minute goal to secure a 1-0 win against Jamaica in Guadalajara, Mexico.
- The victory sparked nationwide celebrations, providing a rare moment of joy in a country long affected by conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels controlling parts of the mineral-rich eastern region.
- This marks Congo’s return to the World Cup since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire, highlighting a significant moment of unity amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises.
- Both the government and rebel factions expressed happiness over the qualification, with President Felix Tshisekedi celebrating alongside fans and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka acknowledging the nationwide excitement.
- Congo will compete in Group K at the World Cup against Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan, offering hope and pride to a population deeply affected by years of conflict.
