SoccerFIFA World CupCongo DRAxel Tuanzebe

Congo DR can finally banish the FIFA World Cup green ghosts of 52 years ago

16 June 2026 — 20:07

Striker Axel Tuanzebe and DRC head coach Sebastien Desabre chat as they leave the field after Congo DR's win over Jamaica.

This FIFA World Cup is an opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo -- the fallen giants of the African game -- to reopen history and ultimately, hopefully, rewrite it.

Zaire, now the DRC, came up against Brazil at the 1974 World Cup, and were outclassed. But the pressure on the Zaire side from back home was immense.

The Jamaica vs DRC World Cup playoff qualification match was hardly vintage, but it was hard-fought by both sides.

Congo DR can finally banish the FIFA World Cup green ghosts of 52 years ago

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