The Democratic Republic of Congo erupted in celebration, prompting authorities to declare a sudden national holiday after the national football team secured their first World Cup appearance in more than half a century.
The Leopards punched their ticket to the tournament on Tuesday night with a dramatic 1-0 playoff victory over Jamaica, courtesy of a 100th-minute extra-time strike from former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe.
Citing the magnitude of the "historic" triumph, the country's ministry of labour and employment announced that Wednesday would be a day off for citizens to "celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride." Though the 8:00 a.m. local time announcement came too late for some employers to alter their operations, numerous banks and businesses across the capital city of Kinshasa locked their doors to honor the occasion.
Jubilant fans flooded the streets of Kinshasa into the early hours of Wednesday morning. For a nation heavily scarred by decades of conflict—most recently exacerbated by the M23 rebel group's occupation in the eastern provinces—the victory provided a rare and deeply emotional moment of collective joy.
"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," one elated supporter remarked.
In a surprising display of sportsmanship amidst high geopolitical tensions, neighboring Rwanda—which DRC officials frequently accuse of backing the M23 rebels—offered its congratulations.
"Leopards stepping up for Africa! Congratulations DR Congo, go make the continent proud on the world stage," Rwandan deputy government spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera shared on social media.
This marks the central African nation's first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire. Looking ahead to the expanded tournament hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, the Leopards will represent Africa as the continent's 10th qualifying team.
In the Kingabwa neighborhood, confident fans were heard chanting, "Cristiano Ronaldo is next." Their bravado is timely: DR Congo is slated to open its group stage campaign against Ronaldo's Portugal on June 17 in Houston, Texas, before facing off against Colombia and Uzbekistan.
For match-winner Tuanzebe, who was born in the conflict-ridden city of Bunia, the extra-time goal held profound personal and national significance.
"I'm so grateful to have scored that goal for the team, for the nation. I realise the magnitude of what it represents and the joy it brings to people," Tuanzebe said, describing the strike as the most important goal of his career.