DR Congo coach Desabre eyes World Cup lift after Ebola quarantine

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said Thursday he’s confident his team can deliver a performance worthy of lifting the nation’s spirits when they compete at the Women’s World Cup, following a complicated journey that included an Ebola-related quarantine period in the United States.

The Leopards arrived on American soil two weeks ago for mandatory health screening after several Ebola cases were reported in eastern regions of the country. While none of the players or staff tested positive for the virus, FIFA protocols required the 14-day isolation before the squad could join tournament preparations.

First Appearance Since 1974

It’s been 49 years since DR Congo last participated in a World Cup at any level. That’s nearly half a century of absence from football’s biggest stage, making this return all the more significant for the central African nation of 95 million people.

Desabre, who took charge of the women’s national team in 2021, acknowledged the weight of expectation. “We know what this means for our people,” the French coach said during a press conference at the team’s training base. “Football has always been something that brings joy, even in difficult times. We want to give them that.”

Challenges Beyond the Pitch

The quarantine wasn’t the only obstacle. DR Congo’s football federation struggled to secure adequate funding for the trip, relying heavily on government intervention and private donations to cover travel costs and equipment. Several training camps planned for March and April were cancelled due to budget constraints.

But the team didn’t let setbacks derail their preparation.

They’ve been training at a facility in Florida for the past week, working through intense sessions in humid conditions that Desabre believes will help them adapt to tournament venues. The coach has emphasized physical conditioning and tactical discipline, knowing his squad will face better-resourced opponents in Group H.

Hope for a Nation

Back in Kinshasa, viewing parties are already being organized in neighborhoods across the capital. Local bars have installed extra screens. Schools are planning to broadcast matches during breaks. The excitement is palpable, even as the country grapples with ongoing health and security challenges in its eastern provinces.

“Sport has this unique power to unite people,” said a FIFA spokesperson. “What DR Congo has achieved just to reach this stage deserves recognition, and we’re hopeful their participation will inspire the next generation.”

Desabre won’t make predictions about results. He’s focused on ensuring his players are mentally and physically ready for their opening match next week. Yet there’s an unmistakable sense that simply being here represents a victory of its own—one that transcends any scoreline.